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On November 9th, I blogged about these six beautiful little baby girls waiting to join their forever families in the US; all families that I’ve personally met. To date, the only one on her way home is Isabelle, who will join her family in the US at the beginning of January 2008. Congratulations to her family!
The other little girls are in various stages of the process: Rachel and Isabella have been in PGN for quite a while, and Nola, Sadie and Madeline are not quite there. Meanwhile these little girls are growing, and the parents must satisfy themselves with photos and monthly health updates.
All the families except one have been down to visit their babies in Guatemala, returning with fresh memories stamped in their hearts. It is incredibly and indescribably difficult to visit and return without the baby, and a tribute to the strength of the human spirit that so many people do it. I remember bringing home the pajamas Ella slept in the last night I spent with her in the hotel, and tucking them under my pillow each night until we brought her home three months later. It made the separation and the wait almost bearable.
With the onset of the holidays, everything in Guatemala shuts down and the adoption process grinds to a halt. But there are even bigger challenges now, because after December 31st, adoptions in process must be registered within one month in order to be completed under the old adoption system. To date we still haven’t heard how or where this registration is to be done. All new adoptions will be processed under the new system.
Adoption is an emotionally exhausting journey, and especially from Guatemala where things are particularly unpredictable at this time. I often compare it to a high risk pregnancy: the outcome is unpredictable, and the whole process frightening. When you finally hold your child in your arms, it is almost surreal
To the families of these amazing little girls, and all the families who are waiting for their children to come home, I send my love and support. May the New Year bring good news and your children home!
Photo Credit: Lisa S.
