[Shoshana]

Hi Roberta:

The social worker who conducted the homestudy was affiliated with the agency I used. In the homestudy, it was written that I had converted to Judaism from Catholicism and that I was active in my synagogue. I also remember it stating that I thought a religious upbringing was important for children. Also, one of my letters of reference was from the Rabbi of my synagogue.

So, using my situation as a solitary case, I know it had no effect on the outcome. Like I stated above, the reputation of the Guatemalan attorney is key. Oh, shortly after I landed in Guatemala City, I saw a synagogue - before I saw a church!

I read the Guatemalan Family Court social worker's report. This social worker has all of the info available to him/her that is contained in the US homestudy (as well as all fo the other documents). I don't believe that this social worker mentioned my religion but he did mention that I was adopted as his opening statement. I wonder if that helped ;-)

Let me know if you have more questions!