[zoec]

Thank you to everyone who answered our post. We really appreciate your thoughts.

[LRA]

I know that this is easier said than done, but my advice would be listen to your heart. I have had a very strong pull to Guatemala for over 10 years. We were one of the lucky ones who gave birth to a miracle baby, but knew that there would not be another miracle for us, at least not the same kind We started looking into adoption when dd was about 5, still felt Guatemala calling me but we decided to give domestic a try (and we do live in Florida) we waited for 2 1/2 years, in the mean time we had looked in to Russia and even signed up to be a summer camp host family. We eventually had a match but 2 weeks before the baby was due (just after I filled the room with baby girl stuff) our match fell through. That was Oct 05..we decided 12-20-05 that we were done and made the switch to Guatemala. We had our referral Feb 24th and he came home August 24th. I do realize things have changed and the process is much more tedious but when I look at my son, I know that he is the reason it took us so long to get ready, wait for a match and then finally listen to our hearts which had been telling us Guatemala all along. Our dd just celebrated her 10th birthday this week and she said the same thing..that is what it took for us to hold out for Carlos to be born, it was just meant to be. I don't know if you have strong feelings one way or the other but if so..follow them(save yourself some time )

I read last week that our agency currently has 35 baby boys waiting. If I could, I would do it again in a heartbeat. If that is where you are meant to go, God will find away to get that baby home.

Tish

[lburg]

Knowing what an emotional rollercoaster this process is even when things are moving "normally", as they have been pretty much for us, I personally would not begin a Guatemalan adoption at this time. This process is grueling enough when Guatemala is semi-stable, let alone what it could become if they continue to struggle with the Hague implementation and the uncertainty with the Protocolo. I would not go with your emotions alone on this one...I would do some serious research and allow logic and reason to play a big part in your final decision.

[NHMom2b]

We have just accepted a referral. Our agency spoke with their lawyers who compared the situation to other instances and decided to go forward with referrals where the children were relinquished prior to 10/1. They would not recommend a referral if they weren't secure on some level. They did indicate, it could be risky. Currently most agencies will not refer a child until after Jan 1st or April 30th. The hague convention has a "grandfather clause" built in. The question seems to be what is considered "in process". There are alot of speculation on this.

We entered into this, knowing there were risks and that we may have to wait a little while longer for him to come home. We just couldn't ignore the fact that he needed a forever home. Once I had a name and face, I couldn't refuse.

Had I not been given a referral, I would have waited until January or April to move forward. We were in the process of double applying to Ethiopia when we rec'd our referral.

My advice, If you have your heart set on Guatemala, wait until after the first of the year and see what is recommended by our government.

Good luck in whatever you decide.