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Whether you read this as a potential adoptive parent, as someone going through an adoption, as someone who has completed an adoption, or simply someone who has come across this site, let me be your spur to look into a trip to Guatemala. There is so much that awaits you in the “Land of Eternal Spring” as it has become known. From the rainforests that have preserved the history and mystery of places like Tikal to the coastal plains in the south and the black sand on the Pacific Ocean there is more than enough to capture the heart of the traveler. Popular places like Antigua, Guatemala City and Tikal are easy to visit and enjoy. Still places like Quetzaltenango, Santa Maria Chiquimula and Esquintla hold a hidden history that most of the world may never see!
It is absolutely impossible for me to adequately describe all that you can see in one sitting. Over time I hope to post my favorite places to visit, to eat, and to stay. I welcome your suggestions as well based on your personal experience. However, let me just give a quick nudge to those of you who have taken the time to read thus far.
For those of you just passing through: Whether you are a seasoned traveler that has seen the world or you have yet to leave your home state, Guatemala is an incredible choice for your vacation destination. The new traveler will find the confines of the hotels friendly and familiar. The ease of getting around is such that most people do very well regardless of their travel experience. Those who have “done it all” will find challenging climbs, breathtaking scenery, and history unlike anywhere else in the world.
For those who have adopted from Guatemala: My encouragement is for you to go back to Guatemala as soon as your little one is capable of understanding the significance of his surroundings. Allowing him to connect with that part of who he is will be invaluable as he searches for identity as he grows. It also gives you the parent a tremendous opportunity to visit the country without all of your attention being focused on legal issues and going home just days later. You will develop a deep appreciation for this wonderful country.
For those adopting from Guatemala: Without a doubt, trust me I know what it means to be immersed in the adoption processed with all your resources directed to that process. However, if you have the opportunity to visit the country during this time, it is definitely worth the trip. Visiting your child can be an incredibly powerful experience. Our experience was incredibly unique in that Kristina spent 14 months in Guatemala with our baby. Our friends from the forum who visited during their adoption all testify to the powerful experience they had. I welcome your thoughts and comments if you too visited your child during the adoption.
Finally, for those of you reading this pondering adopting from Guatemala: Nothing can speak more to you about this country than to experience it first hand. Get to know the people, the culture, and the land as your decision is being made. Undoubtedly you will feel a connection with what it is your are deciding upon. Also make sure to connect with those who are now going through, and those who have completed the process. You are definitely in the right place to do this!
So as vague as those suggestions may be, I hope to share in more detail specific reasons for visiting Guatemala, the best ways to get there, where to eat, and what to do. Again I welcome comment from anyone’s experience as well.
-The Moose
