Have you adopted from Guatemala?

SweetPea76 · 07-23-2004, 03:47 AM

I've started to look into int'l adoption programs, and while I originally was planning on adopting from an eastern european country (for several reasons, one of which was adopting a caucasian child), I am now drawn to Guatemala.

I can't describe exactly why, but I just have this feeling that's that is where my baby is. I know there has been some troubles in the past (concerning Guatemala and the Hague Treaty or something like that) but I was hoping to have some of you share your stories with me.

Why did you choose Guatemala? How old was your child when he/she was reffered? When he/she came home? What agency did you use? How much did it cost? What was your overall experience like? And, if you are not latina, how did your families react to you adopting a child from another culture? The race/culture thing doesn't matter to me. I am fluent in Spanish and have spent a lot of time learning about the latino culture (studied and volunteered in Ecuador, worked at a before school program for kids in Hartford- 95% latino, and taught ESL). I am confident that I can raise a latino child to appreciate his/her culture and roots. But I am concerned about DH's 70 year old parents.

thanks so much!

jen-duck · 07-23-2004, 02:21 PM

joel was born in guatemala- he was an abandoment case.

we got stuck in the hauge treaty so it took us longer- he was born nov 6 2002- we found his picture on Rainbowkids.com and switched agencies- we used carolina hope- LOVED them- wasn't their fault the hauge happened- they did the best they could- in march 2003- we switched- and it was a LONG LONG wait- he came home december 11, 2003. At first he wanted nothing to do with me- butnow- he's hugs and kisses- and won't let me out of his sight really- mark's (dh) parents are 76 (mom) and 80 (dad) and LOVE him to pieces- mark is 39 i'm 29.

Cost- we'll just say it's one of the most expensive programs out there- we were WELL over $25,000 (with plane tickets hotel stay- etc..)

Mark's sister and bil adopted from korea many years (30) ago- so he has 2 cousins yes-older than me- that are korean born. one just had a baby of his own- well his wife did- so she's korean and caucasian- no big deal with our family- my side of the family is all caucasian- but they LOVE joel- and don't see "ethnic" differences as a negative thing- I wouldn't worry about it honestly- joel looks like dh so much- no one even knows he's adopted unless we tell them... we love him- no matter what- he's wrapped everyone around their fingers and toes- and HEARTs....

i teach ion a school district that's very diverse- my school- has about 65% hipanic 25% AA and many others- caucasian is the minority- but we don't really look at "skin" or "ethnics" we look at the person and their character... and celebrate our "differences"
jen

Mom*to*twins · 07-26-2004, 09:16 PM

I can honestly say that adopting from Guatemala has been a profoundly positive experience for our entire family. Our boys were a bit older than most referrals (they were 15 months at referral) and we brought them home at 24 months. But, we really wanted to adopt a sibling group - we were not wanting a baby.

We used Holt Int'l Children's Services. We absolutely loved them. Holt is very reputable in the international adoption world and we never had even a moments hesitation that they had the best interests of the kids as their utmost priority. If we were ever to adopt again we would certainly use Holt.

The only negative reaction we had was from my grandfather - but we actually expected that. I am one of the rare Americans who has a very "pure" ethnic heritage and my family has always been very proud of that and, admittedly, my grandfather is very prejudiced. In fact, he was upset with my generation of cousins because we married outside our ethnic background. But, we don't see him much as we live in different towns and the boys have only been around him a couple of times in 3 years. But his health is failing and he has actually asked my parents if I would bring the boys by next time we are in town. That is a HUGE deal. So, overall, our experience has been excellent.

-Renee

JenJen78 · 07-28-2004, 10:25 AM

We adopted from Guatemala because we felt lead to that country. I (like you) could not explain why I felt so strongly about Guatemala, I just did.

Zach was 6 weeks at referral, but we didn't even have our homestudy complete when we chose him. (his birthday was special to us, so that's why we chose him) He came home at 9.5 months. (in May 2003) From dossier to travel, it was actually 6 months. Our adoption with everything (even down to the documents we had to mail for the dossier) was about $28K.

Overall, we had a good experience. There were a mishap with the agency, but nothing that we couldn't get past. All and all, it was a good experience. (of course most of that's because we got our son)

As for our family, the in-laws were not happy about it at first, but now they love Zach just like they would any grandchild. Other than that everyone has welcomed Zach with open arms. Of course we do get the stares and dirty looks from people out in public, but that's just something you deal with having a multi-racial family.

Best of luck in your search. Keep us posted!

surprise · 08-10-2004, 12:00 PM

We adopted from Guatemala. My in-laws are in their early 70s and they haven't had a problem at all. I think they were just so happy for us, the baby could have been purple.

The baby was 48 hours old at referral. While we were going through the process during the Hague time, we also had a problem with the atty there. We went through Mandala Adoption out of North Carolina (they are great) and my understanding is that they aren't working with the atty anymore (or at least not the translater he had hired). So for us, we got the referral Jan 13 2003 and got the baby Jan 9, 2004 - almost a whole year. At least we had him for his birthday Jan 11.

It did cost about $28k, which included some expensive last minute air fare.

Even if the process takes a long time (which I understand that it is back on the 4 - 6 mos time frame now) it can still be a positive experience. My son came with 8 teeth already cut, that we didn't have to go through. He was already sleep trained. Plus, we did get lots of pictures and 3 videos during that year period.

But my understanding is that the whole Hague thing is over and that things are back on track now.

southernangel · 08-12-2004, 01:29 PM

JenJen..i just wanted to tell you that your son is sooo cute. My soon to be husband is Guatemalan and we are planning on adopting from Guatemala also. you have no idea how many Guatemalan kids really need homes.