I received an email from a concerned adoptive parent that I met in Guatemala in February 2006. It seems that the USCIS has decided to make international adoption even more expensive. The following adoption related services will see a substantial rise in fees: Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, Application for Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship (used for name changes), Application for Certificate of Citizenship, Biometric Services (fingerprints)

From the Arizona... more

Even though our adoption was completed in May of 2006, our adoption agency still sends us Guatemalan adoption updates. I appreciate being kept in the loop, and their information is reliable. One of the criteria of a good adoption agency is how well they keep up with the changes in Guatemala, and how quickly they transfer that information to their clients. Too often I see people on forums in a panic about something they've heard, but not from their agency.

So here is the latest on time frame changes at the US Embassy in Guatemala:

1. In the past, the Pink Sheet (appointment letter) was issued the same day as the Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship & Immigration Services.... more

A good "e-pal" whose blog I read daily, posted some important information yesterday. I forwarded it to my agency, and they got onto it right away and thanked me. (I love my agency). I strongly suggest that you contact your agency if this applies to you

If you are ADOPTING FROM GUATEMALA and you are with an agency or facilitator that is not HAPS or For This Child, PLEASE EMAIL THE FOLLOWING LETTER TO YOUR AGENCY. If you are NOT ADOPTING but you have a blog, please POST THIS REQUEST ON YOUR BLOG.

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Dear [agency-name], If your agency has a case in process that contains a Guatemala City cedula or birth-certificate that is... more

Welcome to my first blog for Guatemala. I am delighted to be representing the country of my daughter’s birth; a gorgeous country populated with warm and gentle people. When we began the adoption process, I realized that the world of adoption went far beyond home studies, fingerprints and mounds of paperwork. It quickly became evident that politics controlled the international adoption world, and as quickly as one country opened for adoption, another would close. So with eyes wide open we plunged into adopting little Ella. At no... more

The blogs post was pretty popular. Therefore I thought I would bring it back as the year closes and make is a semi-annual event. For those of you just beginning the process or haven't yet started considering a blog, let me encourage you to do so today. A blog is an awesome reference, encouragement, notification board, and stress reliever. It is your own world to express yourself. Once you have it set up, then get a business card with the web address on there to give to those concerned. The response is great!

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I just posted over on the Guatemala Adoption Forum a question asking "What was the single greatest piece of advice you've received." Knowing that much of the advice we receive is well meant but not asked for, I was curious about good advice that may have stuck with us. Without fail I listed for my selection advice we received to journal our journey.

The day my wife found out that we probably... more

ATTENTION all of you Internet junkies! Those of you who can't leave the forums, the blogs, etc. Even those of you just entering the process.

OK I'm not the biggest for online chatting. In my day job as a Youth Minister, I have IM so the kids can keep up with me but I'd rather talk in person or at least on the phone. HOWEVER... During our adoption, I found the Adoption Chat Rooms to be a great place to fellowship (pardon the old school word) and get to know each other. I've gotten immediate response to questions I had and... more

During our adoption, we tried to find any and everything that would take our mind off of the wait. Every little diversion was welcome. Here is a fun little exercise that takes no effort but the outcome usually brings a chuckle. Visit the Adoption Fun section for all sorts of little creative outlets.

I found the Interactive Stories to be pretty funny. It is amazing how you pay more attention to the details of the story... more

Quick Facts:

Resource Name - Adoption Today Magazine Cost - $24.00/year ($24.00= approx Q190.00) What you get - 6 issues (1 every 2 months) Description - Your guide to the issues and answers surrounding International and domestic adoption. Written by adoptive parents, adoptees and professionals in the fields of medicine, law, education, social work, child development and International and... more

Brittany's Hope Contact People: Any at the email listed below Address: Brittany's Hope Foundation 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Phone: 717.367.9614 Fax: 717.489.1719 Email: info@brittanyshope.org Web Address: http://www.brittanyshope.org

This is a great site that matches children... more