Guatamala

Kotzurk · 03-29-2005, 10:35 PM

Has anyone adopted from Guatamala? DH and i are seriously considering it. One of the main reasons is that since there is no age limitations, we won't have to wait.

Anyway, I was wondering if you could share your Guatamala stories with me.

Thanks!

JenJen78 · 03-30-2005, 03:18 PM

DH and I adopted our son from Guatemala in 2003. It was an experience I'll never forget, and hope to do again soon. We started the homestudy in August 2002, and by May 2003 (on Guatemala's Mother's day) we held Zach for the first time. Our process was longer than expected because of a long wait for the I171H. We've been researching all different countries this time around, and still feel that Guatemala is the best place for us. So as of this week, we've decided to go back, but for a little girl this time. :-) Best of luck to you in your journey. It may get tough to wait at times, but it's all so worth it.

carlos'mami · 03-30-2005, 07:51 PM

We adopted our little guy from Guatemala and he is fabulous, and beautiful!

We had a crappy agency/ attorney and a miserable process so research well. I would post on some adoption boards and ask for feedback on agencies you are considering.

Generally the children in Guatemala are very well cared for. The majority are in foster homes and I think that helps in bonding.

Good Luck, if you have any questions, let me know.

Chelsea

jen-duck · 03-31-2005, 01:23 AM

My husband and I adopted our son Joel in 2003. He was born nov 2002 referral december 2002 came home december 11th 2003. We got stuck in the Hauge treaty though. We LOVE guatemala- people there were so friendly and helpful. the hogar which joel was for 13 months carried for him greatly.

We are planning on going back within 3 years for a little girl or another boy.
DH is 40 I'm 30 years old...
jennifer

carlos'mami · 03-31-2005, 01:55 PM

Jennifer,
I think I remember you from another board during the Hague. I was "waiting4james" not sure if you remember me. We accepted our son's referral on Feb. 24, 2003, and did not have him home until the end of October 2004... 20 months total...ugh. After the Hague we ended up just having a really crappy agency and attorney on top of it - I thought it would never end. Were you on adoption forums back then?

Chelsea

Lisa67 · 03-31-2005, 04:23 PM

A good agency around my area is Wide Horizons. I know a few people who have used them and I've heard nothing but good comments. It's worth contacting them for an info packet anyway, even if you're just in the research stage. www.whfc.org

G/L!!

Kotzurk · 03-31-2005, 08:41 PM

Jen, He's so cute! Congrats on finally getting him home to his forever family!

Thank you all so much for being so supportive. This is such a big decision!

JenJen78 · 03-31-2005, 10:47 PM

I've also heard good things about Wide Horizons. I contacted them once because one of their attorneys was the attorney I had in Guatemala (but with a different agency). She's really good, and so I had thought about using Wide Horizons just so I could use my same attorney. (Olga)

Best of luck!

jen-duck · 04-01-2005, 12:48 AM

CHELSEA, YES I remember YOU- HEY...!!!!
dh and i were on adoption forums... joelpapi !!!!

He still goes on a lot- but me not really.. I got sick of some people getting "picked on" especially "us" the ones that finally got our children home- and having to hear the "newcomers" come on there whinning how long it this step was taking- 2-3 weeks compared to months- half a year- A YEAR... then we got "yelled at" or almost banned because we were trying to express our feelings.. just awful...

my opinion anyway....
jennifer