[Bella'sMomToBe]

I wrote PGN....even though I am sure they are getting hundreds of emails a day (especially since the US DOS puts PGN's email address on their announcements). They may never read it, especially since it is not in Spanish....but oh well, I had to tell them what is on my mind...even if they aren't listening.

Anyway, here it is....

Dear PGN:

Hello and thank you for allowing me the privilege of adopting from your country. I am a United States citizen who began my adoption from Guatemala in May 2003. (This is when the paperwork was turned in.)

Although I was hoping that the process would run smoothly, it seems like there is a lot of concern in the United States on whether adoptions in Guatemala will continue. As it is now, many agencies in the United States are no longer starting adoptions from Guatemala. They are looking at countries such as Costa Rica and Panama to adopt from.

As a prospective adoptive parent with a referral from Guatemala, I am definitely finding myself wanting to pursue my adoption in Guatemala. However, if you find that adoption is not right for your country, I completely understand.

My question is, do you plan to instill new rules and regulations soon so that post March 5 cases can proceed? Or is this something that is going to take a long while and you don't see post 3/5 cases being processed in 2003?

Although I very much would like to adopt from your country, as I am childless, I am finding the wait difficult. I appreciate anything that you can tell me about the adoption procedures in Guatemala and what I can expect.

Again, I am very grateful that you are allowing Guatemalan children to be adopted to the United States. Be assured, the couples that go through the process to adopt from your country have your children's best interest in mind. In addition, should I be able to adopt the child that has been chosen for me from Guatemala, I plan to raise her with Guatemalan's beliefs and practices in mind. Someday, I hope that she will be able to return to her country and help her Guatemalan people.

Please let me know if and when you plan to process post March 5 cases. I am awaiting eagerly for your response, as if I cannot adopt from your country, I want to pursue looking for a child elsewhere that needs a home. Again, be assured that although we very much want to adopt from your country, we also want to respect what you feel is right for your country.

We are in hope that you find the United States citizens worthy of your children that need homes. Thank you for your time and effort in this matter.

Sincerely, Christine


Also, yesterday our local newspaper came to our house to take our picture for a story they are doing about our Guatemalan adoption. I will post a link when it comes out. One of my main points is that people donating to UNICEF really need to look at where that money is being spent. From what I have read, I am beginning to think that UNICEF is corrupt and needs an internal investigation by the US done on them.

Yesterday I also got a letter from congressman Joe Knollenberg. I was impressed with his letter. He responded to my concerns about Guatemalan adoptions and assured me that, "We must protect the children of American citizens and ensure that their opportunity to receive citizenship is not lost to unnecessary delays. I will continue to monitor this situation as it develops."

That is all I know for now.

[tootsi20023]

Hi Christine,

I think that is wonderful that your local news interviewed you. I am glad you mentioned the UNICEF. I can't wait to see the link. Keep us posted.

[bennett]

christine and everyone else with prepared letters or emails...
especially from ma.!!
i have two top anchor people from channel five news
in new englands 's emails

if anyone wants to email them directly ..here you go

these are their private emails as i recently donated some
beds to a needy family and they contacted me with more info
based on a story they did .

njacobson@hearst.com

jboyd@hearst.com

thats natalie jacobson and jim boyd

[rch]

I think your really jumping the gun on this one. my Daughter is now 8 months old we had her referl since she was 4 days old, imagine how frustrated we are. If you have only had the referal for 2 months you have a long way to go. Get ready to strap on your seat belt for a long bumpy ride. FYI, other countries can take a long time also. It's a little pre mature to be writing PGN trying to make a difference, it doesn't work that way. Have faith that it will work out. Don't get impatient even though it is hard not to. Pray, Pray, and pray some more. I'll be praying for you.

[Bella'sMomToBe]

Rch (name?),

I am sorry that your wait has been long. However, I believe in being proactive rather than just sitting and waiting. (I believe God helps those who help themselves.) I am doing what I truly believe is right and all that I can to bring my daughter home.

If the situation looks like we are not able to adopt from Guatemala (which I think is NOT going to happen based on some information about a PGN meeting today...I think it will be good news!) I want to know. I have to make LIFE CHOICES for myself and that means finding out all I can about this Guatemalan situation.

If you read my letter carefully, you will see I am merely stating to PGN to let me know what they are going to do because I may have to look at other options. I wanted to get across the message that they need to make some definitive decisions or basically, they are going to lose me as an adoptive mom.

I hope your child is home soon. I think some changes are coming about and believe there is going to be a mass clearing of cases pre 3/5 and maybe post 3/5 too if the information I was given is right. Good luck.

[bennett]

christine..
i appreciate all your efforts

you are right..we have start to now , incase there is a
ruling supporting the hague ...
and our post 3-5 cases and new referrals are put on hold.

but i really feel all will be ok and after a short delay
we will all bring our children home...

[diane in IL]

Bellas Mom,

I, for one, thought your letter was OUTSTANDING! Don't let anyone discourage you from doing what you are doing. Your letter was sincere, from the heart, and reflects what most adoptive parents are thinking. I would LOVE to read about any response that you get from them. My guess is, that they will respond.

Keep up the good work!

diane in IL

[Cinday143]

That's a tough balance! I have lived overseas for 10 years, and I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to ask for something without sounding like a "pushy American" who thinks the world runs on US rules. You did an OUTSTANDING job of asking for clarification, and why you needed it, and still expressed how much respect you have for their country. Great job.