[becky]

Floyd,

You are required to use a local agency for your home study...someone who is licensed in your home state. However, for your placement agency it is wise to choose the best agency you can find.

There are MANY agencies who work in Guatemala and most have O.K. programs, some have awful programs and a handful have really outstanding programs.

Your placement agency does not have to be local...between phone, fax, and email, it's a piece of cake to work with someone outside of your area. My families live all over the place...I even have two families right now who live in Japan!

The Hague is definitely going to be an issue as the year progresses and it is going to be more important than ever to sign on with an experienced agency...one that has a strong and reliable program in Guatemala.

Good Luck to you!