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Hi Dalhal:
My husband and I went to Guatemala 2 weeks ago to spend time with our 7 month old daughter. When we met the foster mother with our little girl, I picked her up and she immediately started crying. I let the FM hold her while we got all details needed then when to the room. She cried for about 45 minutes, cried herself to sleep on my chest actually. When she woke up, she was a little doll. The rest of the time she was content and happy every day. Full of smiles and love for Mommy and Daddy. She was very attached to me though and cried almost everytime I was out of her sight. But as long as I was there, she was very happy. I wouldn't trade those 4 days for anything. The opportunity to parent her, for even a short time was priceless. And to meet her foster mother and see the level of care she is receiving was so reassuring. The fact that she adjusted so well to that short time is a testimony to the great care she is receiving. And her foster mother is lovely. My advice would be to spend that time with your baby and enjoy.
As to meeting the lawyer, absolutely. I don't know how much schmoozing you need to do, but I truly feel if the lawyer has a face to go with the paperwork, it may prompt them to be a little more on top of things. In our case, our attorney speaks no english. But our interpreter just happened to be our lawyers wife and it was the greatest meeting we could have had. She has also worked for the government and she immediately called her husband and asked him to pull our file. She said she would call us that evening with specifics on our case and she was very prompt. She has allowed us to contact her if need be (although there has been no need. As you we are back in for the 2nd time, 2 months in PGN). But I feel that since she has met us, there is
more personal attention being given to our case at the Guatemala end. Of course, there is the chance that your agency or your lawyer may not want a meeting, be prepared for that. But if you have his name, I would contact him.
Enjoy your trip and remember, kids are very resiliant. You may ber surprised and what a treasured time it will be for you.
Shauna
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