While I was going through the adoption process, there were only a few people I told about our plans. It made it a private journey, but it also saved me from some hurtful, inappropriate remarks that were easier to handle once my little girl was home.

Recently I’ve had many people in the process tell me that “people who haven’t been through it just don’t understand.”

Although this could certainly apply to domestic or international adoption, somehow the adoptions from Guatemala add extra emotional stress to the prospective parents... more

In my post, Reasons to Adopt from Guatemala, I discussed several advantages to adopting from Guatemala. I also put together a separate post about how impressed I was with the mandatory DNA testing to ensure that the woman placing a baby for adoption is, in fact, the child’s mother. What I did not know is that some of the biggest challenges... 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

I'm not the only one with a voice. Many of you have your own blogs where you are journaling, posting photos, and sharing your process with others. Recently on a post in the Guatemala Adoption Forum at adoption.com some shared links to their sites. I thought it might be fun for you to take a moment to check them out.

Our Adventure to Isabel - Shelly writes of their journey to adopt. Articles dating back to October 2005. Great site! Guatemama... more

Have you ever seen those virtual tours? You know the ones I'm talking about where you click on the link and you see a picture. Then by moving your mouse the view changes and you can look 360 degrees around you in whatever location the picture was shot. Come check out Guate360's virtual tours of Guatemala. They are broken up individually so that you can look at which ever one you like.

You can link to the entire site by clicking here or you can visit some of my favorites:

La... more

OK it goes without saying these days that it is important to exercise and eat right. So why put something so redundant on a blog that is trying to promote new information? I would ask the more important question by saying "How many of us are actually doing it?" It looks pretty funny too after I just posted about "having" to visit McDonalds ;-) One of the greatest causes of stress and exhaustion in our body comes from an improper diet and lack of exercise. This affects every area of our life from our interpersonal relationships, our self worth, our work, etc. When... more