[lotterino]

We got a new medical today and I am just not convinced our son is getting the care he needs. Yesterday the thought briefly entered my mind about fostering but I shoved it out as quickly because financially it doesn't seem possible. Then today after we got the medical, I called my husband at work and he asked me what I thought about fostering, he said he had been thinking about it yesterday. So independent of each other, we both had the same thoughts on the same day and I'm wondering if God is telling us something.

So can someone share with me their experiences fostering please? I'm thinking Antigua. Where did you stay? How much did rent cost? Do they accept credit cards? Are there stores within walking distance? Were there computers with internet for public use? I'm thinking I would take my 2 year old daughter too. I can't believe I'm actually seriously considering this. Any help or guidance would be so appreciated.

[eleanor99]

Hello! Our timelines are similar. My husband and I have just started talking about myself and our daughter going down to foster also.
Anyways, thanks for asking the question, and I'm hoping you get good info back because I'm VERY curious as well.
And, if you think that you may want a roommate - let me know!

[Mom2Guat_twins]

I am also very interested in going to foster in mid April and would love to have a roommate. PM me if interested!

[stillxling]

hi, i am down here in Antigua currently, and I might be of a little bit of help. I've only been here for 15 days, and of course, each person's living situation is going to be different, but I can tell you a bit about my situation. Only problem is the chicas are awake and wanting to play. My goal will be to PM both of you later this afternoon, while they nap. "talk" to soon!

[wvamom]

Hi Lotterino-not that I have much to offer to help, except that I totally support you--in your circumstances I think I would want to be the one caring for my child, too! At least you can make sure he's doing okay, while you wait to come home and have heart surgery!

Good luck to you!
Carolyn

[journeyofadoption]

I also am thinking about fostering I have started to research and make a case for fostering (our agency is not all that supportive). I could use all the help I can get. I am not looking at going down until June but I would like to get information ahead of time so I can talk to the powers that be. If anyone could PM me information I would be so greatful!
Laura

[gwenrenee007]

Just a thought maybe 2 or so of you could get together and rent an apartment??? Other than that I have no advice, but I would like to wish you a lot of luck and a safe trip when you do go.

[Dachshund]

I've PM'd the responses already but anyone else who would like a copy of the information I compiled from fostering in Antigua last year can pm me. I had to put it in a word document because it's too large to be send by PM but I can e-mail it.
Fostering was the most incredible experience of my life and I would highly recommend it if you can do it.
Melissa

[lotterino]

Thank you everyone, and yes I would be totally willing to room if the space allowed. I am so nervous and excited about the possibility of going down there. My husband says no way am I bringing our toddler down there, so that's not an issue anymore (hard to be away from her, but kind of a relief to not worry about having 2 down there).

[akspudua]

Hello,

We just decided to go down and foster a couple of weeks ago. It is a huge scary decision!! But now I am so excited to go.

The one thing that has helped me with gathering info and getting an idea of what is like (besides all the great advise on here) is a yahoo group for fostering parents in Antigua. Just go to Yahoo's website then click on groups and then search Parents fostering in Antigua. You don't have to join to read the posts but if you want to beable to post or read/look at their database (of recommended lodging, transportation, stores, doctors...ect.) you will have to join. It is wonderful!!

We have decided to stay at Casa Ovalle for the first week while we decide on a more perm. place...or if I like it there they have comparible monthly rates with renting an apartment. Anyways...if I can help or if you want to meet up let me know. ( I am trying to be open to rooming with someone but I think I would like to meet them first. )

Maria

[WVUMom418]

There was also a post on her yesterday from a Grandma who is in Antigua with her daugther fostering her daughters twins. Several of the people who responded to her post are currently fostering in Antigua so you could PM them. Here's the link to the post Loving Those Babies In Antigua

[lotterino]

Thank you so much Maria for the yahoo group tip, it looks wonderful and I've joined. I haven't gotten accepted yet though so I can't access the database yet, but the posts have been very helpful. The Casa Ovalle looks beautiful, I found their website. How did you handle plane tickets? Do you buy a one-way or a round-trip that's flexible?

[MicheleB]

Originally Posted by akspudua

Hello,

The one thing that has helped me with gathering info and getting an idea of what is like (besides all the great advise on here) is a yahoo group for fostering parents in Antigua. Just go to Yahoo's website then click on groups and then search Parents fostering in Antigua. You don't have to join to read the posts but if you want to beable to post or read/look at their database (of recommended lodging, transportation, stores, doctors...ect.) you will have to join. It is wonderful!!

Maria

This is a great resource. I checked out the group and because it is not a private group and is a public group that allows anyone to read the messages, it is ok to post a link to the group. Foster_Parents_Of_Antigua_Guatemala : Fostering In Antigua Guatemala

There is information on this site on where to shop, what cell phones work, who is looking for roomates, information on doctors, and other services. If you are going to foster or thinking of it - this looks like a great place to start!

[csw]

Hi
There are single bedroom apt's up to 5 bedroom homes for rent in Antigua. I was at Santa Rosa, a gated community in a townhouse. I had heard this particular place is up to $1,000 a month plus phone and electric..but there are many places there for less...in the $500-600 a month range.

There is a semi-small grocery store in Antigua within walking distance..but for big major shopping trips I would go to Hiper Paiz..stock up..get things for the freezer, diapers etc..then for more weekly things go to the one in Antigua.

A jogging stroller would be great..and a sling for the baby..

I had to foster because my daughter wasn't gaining weight..you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes..

[csw]

Lotterino..I saw plenty of toddlers and preschoolers when I was down there..some parents even enrolled their child in a preschool in Antigua while they were there..one woman was adopting 2 babies and had 2 toddlers..was fostering in Antigua with all 4 kids..