I am so impressed with the multitude of avenues people are utilizing to spread information about the possible crisis in Guatemalan adoptions. Emails, phone calls, faxes and letters are being sent to the DOS, Presidents (Bush & Berger), senators and congressmen, newspapers, embassies and even to famous personalities like Oprah.

Petitions are going around (sign here), but according to a friend with connections to the government, letters are much more effective; must be something about an old fashioned... more

With great angst I took my little Ella to her first day of preschool two days ago. You may ask why at only twenty-three months I am taking her to preschool. Well, Ella lives her life in a home surrounded by adults in a beautiful neighborhood where there are no other children around during the day. This summer she became interested in being around other children, and I decided that a few hours a week at preschool would be beneficial and enjoyable.

Being a major fretter, I searched high and low for the perfect program. I found it but had to have a friend pull a few... more

The latest statement from the Department of State will certainly instill terror into the hearts of many parents in the process of adopting from Guatemala.

To summarize what they are saying:

1. Guatemala will become a Hague Convention country on January 1st 2008 and will no longer process adoptions with non Hague countries. 2. The U.S. will not be Hague compliant so it won’t work with the U.S. 3. When the U.S. becomes Hague compliant, probably in the spring of 2008, they may not allow adoptions from Guatemala until they are certain that they are truly following the rules... more

One of the finest people you will come across in the adoption world is Dr. Jane Aronson, often referred to as the “Orphan Doctor.” Founder of the Worldwide Orphans Fund, an adoption specialist and adoptive mother of two, Jane has treated thousands of adopted children and provided support to as many parents.

I have yet to meet Jane personally, but she was the doctor who evaluated Ella’s referral information. She also reviewed all the monthly reports during the process, responded immediately to my questions and concerns and blessed me with great peace of mind.... more

For the first several months of our children’s lives they are cared for by a foster family. This wonderful system has contributed greatly to the emotional and physical well being of our children.

Information about the foster mother should be part of your referral package. You will know her age, address and family situation. Many of us can’t wait to send a package after we get the referral; this is an opportune time to make the first contact with the foster family. Include a note in Spanish (don’t assume they can speak English); it is usually fairly easy to find someone who is proficient enough in Spanish to help you write a few kind words to the person caring for your child. Writing... more

The adoption home Casa Quivira was raided on August 13th. A few days later several children were hospitalized after not receiving proper nutrition and care by the people the government sent to replace the staff at Casa Quivira. Two of the children were released to their adopting parents and their adoptions completed. Several days after that the remaining thirty some children were taken to undisclosed orphanages in Guatemala. To my knowledge (and if you know otherwise please share) no more information has been released regarding the welfare or futures of these children.

Was... more

At one time I thought I would never have a little girl. I honestly still pinch myself occasionally just in case this is the longest running dream I’ve ever had. Without adoption this would never have been possible.

My days are filled with the laughter, the cries, the squeals and all the shenanigans of a precious little girl. Standing on her stool in my bathroom in the morning, Ella watches my morning rituals closely and imitates them. She pretends to put on moisturizing cream and tries to floss her teeth with imaginary floss when she can’t get her quick little hands on the real stuff.... more

I just finished listening to the NPR(National Public Radio) program "All Things Considered.” The subject was Guatemalan adoptions. The liquid smooth intellectual voice of the host of the program could easily lull you into believing that you are getting a balanced picture of the situation. You aren’t.

The interview begins in a hotel in Guatemala; the background is filled with the cries of fretting babies with their adoptive parents. The adopting couple being interviewed is visiting... more

In 2005 and 2006 the average adoption from Guatemala used to take 4-7 months from the referral to completion; now you are looking at 8-10 months or longer. Add the uncertainty of the future of Guatemalan adoptions and PAPs (prospective adopting parents) of Guatemalan children have a lot to contend with these days.

In the past it was stressful enough worrying if you would get stuck in Family Court or PGN. Now PAPs are worrying if their children will come home at all when changes are implemented in the Guatemalan adoption process.

Rumors about the... more

Having my sister here for a few days was wonderful. She spent a lot of time playing with Ella, and I enjoyed watching the two of them together. I love my family delighting in my little princess.

In between walks, playing in the park and all the other routines of the day, we had many discussions about adoption, particularly international adoption. My sister was interested in hearing about Guatemalan adoptions and the country of Guatemala itself.

I told her about the widespread poverty in Guatemala, the corruption in the political arena, and the devastating effect that the... more