I met several wonderful couples and singles while I was adopting Ella. We may only make contact a few times a year, but they are in my thoughts a lot. When I receive emails with photos of their children, I usually shed a tear remembering what we all went through, and the relief I felt when everyone arrived home safe and sound.

With the exception of one couple, all are well into their second adoption and adopting from Guatemala again. Apparently it is a bit easier the second time round for most of them as they are familiar with the ups and downs of the process in Guatemala and know what to expect. Some are using the same agency they used first time around, while two families changed agencies after having bad first experiences.

If you use the same home study agency they can often do an update on your home study rather than start from zero. This cuts time and expense. Usually you know exactly where to get your documents for your dossier and who the best notary to use is. Just a reminder that it is advantageous to use the same notary or at least as few as possible as it saves time in the state certification process where they have to look up each notary’s name to verify that they are still licensed.

When adopting from Guatemala second (or third, fourth, etc)time around, concerns about travelling to an unknown destination are no longer relevant. You are also more familiar with adjustment issues your child may have or health problems that commonly arise.

I can only imagine how wonderful it will be for their children to have a sibling who is also from Guatemala. No doubt, they’ll have their days when they bicker and fight over toys, but in the long run they will realize how fortunate they are to have a sibling with the same heritage who is also adopted.

One mother told me that she considered choosing another country because of the threat of adoptions closing in Guatemala, but ultimately felt so connected to Guatemala because of her daughter, that she had to go back there for her second daughter. I can relate to that. Guatemala is an amazing country and the children are absolutely magical.

I commend these couples and many more that are well aware of the risks that are inherent in Guatemalan adoptions, yet forge ahead in their desire to bring home another child. Their bravery and determination will do more than add another amazing child to their family; it will bring their adopted child at home the ultimate gift – a sibling from Guatemala.

Love and good luck to all of you.

Adopting from Guatemala - Our Sons Come Home

One Family's Adoptions from Guatemala