[Carolina Mommy]

Hi,

My husband and I are considering international adoption for our 2nd child. We adopted a Caucasian/Hispanic baby boy in 1999 from CA. We have tried to adopt another child; we're not gender specific, but have had two failed since 2001. We used the same attorney as before, but have had very bad experiences this time. At this point he will not even respond to email. I have recently found out that he has been less than professional. Eight other couples in SC have come forward and I fear there are more. We currently are out $9600.00.

We are vey interested in Guatamla because we desire another hispanic child. My heart would break if our little boy felt different from his siblings. He is a precious child with a bug heart. He prays every night for god to send him a baby and asks me over and over when can the doctors fix my tummy.

We would stay with Domestic adoption, but we are being consistently told that Hispanic birthmothers do not usually place.
We feel God truly orchastrated our adoption. We are blessed beyond what we deserve.

We, (I) feel broken at this point because of the traumatic failures we've had recently. My spirit is broken.

We need lots of questions answered regarding Guatamala.
1. Attorney vs. Agency?
2. Cost?
3. Length of wait?
4. Travel?
5. How do you start the International documents process?
6. We are Domestic Homestudy ready, Do we need an update or a new Homestudy?

And any other specific info anyone can think of would be helpful in our decision. I've been looking at all of the beautiful babies coming home soon and I'm so happy for all of you.

Thank you in advance for your help!
Kim

[Yash]

Dear Kim,

My husband and I began the process of adopting an infant girl from Guatemala. We are in the paper gathering stage. We are using World Partners Adoption. I do believe there is a difference in the international homestudy, but I don't believe it's a major difference. I think any reputable agency should be able to answer your questions, even if you're not using their services. At our agency we were told start to finish about 9 to 10 months. They estimated our daughter would be somewhere between four to six months.

I hope this helps.

Good luck,

Yash

[crathke]

Kim,

Come over to the Guatemala board on this forum--you'll meet all kinds of wonderful people in various stages of the process of adopting from Guat--I've been amazed at how helpful and supportive everyone is. (and modest, too!)

Short answers to your questions, (all of which are my opinion only)

Agency vs attorney? In Guat, both is best--your agency here in the states will work with attorneys in Guatemala.

Cost? Depends--but roughly $20-25K including travel expenses is a reasonable estimate.

Length of wait? Also depends--do you want a newborn? Gender specific? Some people fly through and some take a little longer. Again, on the Guatemala board you'll hear all different stories.

Travel? Only once, to pick up your child, and them only for 3-4 days. I have heard that escorting your child is possible but right now those of us who follow the Guatemala board are helping/supporting a family through an escorted adoption that Isn't going well. (the thread is titled "Visa Disaster" if you want to look it up)

How do you start International Documents Process? Most any agency's website will give you a list of things you'll need, and once you get farther along the process, the agency will give you more specifics.

We are Domestic ready, etc?--that one's stumping me. I'd check with an agency, myself. I would imagine that there will be very little "different" that you'll need to do.

Best wishes to you and I hope to see you on the Guatemala board!

[dingalings]

I am close to bringing a little girl home forever from Guatemala. I have an excellent Christian Agency. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

[IH8MEAT]

Like the others...I would suggest visiting the Guatemala board.

I am in the process of adopting a little boy...and it seems to be a LONG wait. BTW...I'm not very patient.

If you are "paper ready"...then you could try Guatemala.