[hopefulinny]

My DH and I have just started the process and went to our first orientation with an agency last night. We went over all the different countries and I had my mind set on Guatemala before I had even gotten there. It just seemed to be the best fit for us. Well we were told that at the end of June they will be closing the program due to the "unknown status" of the Hague treaty. While I truly appreciate their honesty and not making us go through all the paperwork etc my heart is broken. I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I know this sounds silly but I was like is this a sign or what? Should I NOT be adopting.
Well now we are looking into Korea. It sounds like a very strong and stable program but you can not make a gender preference. I truly wanted a girl. I know in my heart I will be a great mom to either but you know when you just have your heart set and you think something is meant to be....well I guess we'll see where our jouney takes us. Thanks so much for letting me get this out, I have been crying since last night!!

Angela

[Alexismandyjr]

Angela,

I'm so sorry (((hugs))). I know Guatemala is risky right now but we decided to move forward anyhow because that's what my heart lead us to do. Good luck to you!

[KMatthews]

Angela, I'm so sorry. But like you said they are at least upfront with you about it. I really hope your journey takes you where your child truely is.

[dance_muffin]

I'm sorry that your agency closed down on Guat. adoptions. I think their honesty should be appreciated. Alot of agencies have at this point. There are others that are still accepting applications if you want to look into those. It is my understanding that the changes on Guat. adoptions will beging Jan. 2008. If you were to start now you should be "ok" and grandfathered in to the current guidelines that exist now. Talk to a few agencies and others on the board who have just recently started their adoption process.

Good luck with your decision. Let me know what you decide.

[scottskaggs]

If you feel strongly that you should adopt from Guatemala and are willing to put up with some delays I would look into other agencies that are still open to Guatemala. I know there are plenty out there. No program is risk free and so if this is where you feel your heart is leading you I would look into this. I hope you find peace and joy in whatever decision you make.
Kadee

[Daisy1008]

I agree with Kadee, if you feel your child is in Guatemala then you should find an agency still open to Guatemala. We went through a lot of different emotions when making our decision & even called the whole thing off at one point while waiting for our I-171. We got our I-171 & accepted a referral of a baby girl in May & I am so sure we are on the right path. Our agency does a lot of work in Guatemala & is down there a lot so I am confident they have a good feel for what the future holds. If you's like the name of our agency you can PM me:-)

[mamaskoby]

If your heart says Guatemala then do it with another agency..My agency is still accepting applicants and has babies ready and waiting!!!
When our first referral did not work out I thought to myself "maybe this is a sign I should not adopt". Then someone here told me there is no path without some small puddles!!!
And its so true!!! Please know I will pray for you and good luck whatever you do!
Anna

[Guatemom]

Please don't give up on Guatemala if that is truly where your heart is. Yes, a lot of agencies are no longer accepting app's, but some still are!! And from what I understand--if you start now you would theoretically be at a 'safe' point by the time they would do anything in Jan '08. We just started too, btw. We looked into other countries, but we have our hearts set on Guatemala.
It's wonderful you have not given up on adoption (some people could have just said, 'oh well this is not for me at all); but if you ignore where your heart is, you run the risk of never being truly fulfilled, and that's not fair to you or your Korean child. I don't know how else to word it; I hope you get what I mean!!
Hugs and prayers for your decision,
Melanie

[robandjulie]

Another vote for considering changing agencies. If you think the cost is feasible (I don't know how much you've invested in your current agency) shop around for a reliable agency that is still processing Guatemalan applications.

I talked with a homestudy agency yesterday and while no one can say for sure what anything means, the agent there said that if the Hauge goes through the US would be obligated to accept anyone that it had issued an I171H for, since that's essentially saying "we'll ok an adoption from Guatemala if everything else checks out ok." I'll feel a lot more sure if we have PA before the Hauge goes in, but she seemed pretty confident it would just be the 171H. For what that's worth.

God Bless!

Julie

[DeeVee]

Oh, Angela, I'm so sorry for this disappointment. As many other posters have said, there are agencies still accepting applicants for their Guatemala programs, (we're with one of them) but they should be up front and tell you what they perceive the risks to be.

If you feel that Guatemela is where your child is, by all means do your research and look for another agency. If you feel that your current agency is the best possible fit for you, then perhaps one of their other country programs will turn out to be what was meant to be.

Praying for you!

[beachdreams]

I just wanted to chime in and also tell you to look for a different agency. Good luck.

[Mom2Guat_twins]

Oh - I know you heart is breaking right now. Yes, yes - if your heart is on Guatemala, don't give up the dream.

However....keep your heart open. When God closes one door, he usually opens up another. We started our adoption process thinking/assuming we would be adopting from China and thankfully thru a couple of closed doors, wrong turns, God finally led me to where my children were....in Guatemala... ;-)

But believe me, I cried every time those doors were shut!

Anyway, I pray for your peace and for your answer to be revealed to you.

many (((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))

[aliciaw]

I agree with the other posters, if you are willing to accept the risk and delays, there are other agencies out there that still have the Guatemala program open.

When we first started our adoption process we also had our heart sat on a little girl. When we were ready for a referral we learned that our agency had a very long list of people waiting for a girl, so after a long discussion we decided to accept either gender. We were matched with our son, and I am so glad that we did not specify. A year ago, I was certain that we would have a girl, and now we have the most wonderful little boy in the world that fills my heart with so much joy. Just my two cents .

Best of luck in whatever you decide!!

-Alicia

[guatmama2b]

I just want to agree with what many of the other poster have said. If your heart is set on Guatemala then go for it. You know that there are risks, but as other have said the US has continually said that as long as you have received you I-171H (you receive this very early on in the process) you will be fine. In my opinion... go for Guatemala if that is the country you have in your heart. My agency is still accepting Guatemala applications, so if you would like their info, feel free to PM me. Just think, your little girl may be waiting...

[terris213]

Angela,
I'm joining the others to say my prayers are with you, but don't give up just yet. No matter what country you decide upon there will probably be bumps in the road, some are minor, some not so minor, this one may be the first bump. But it is not a deadend. I too think you should look into other agencies. Maybe the one you met with is local to you, but don't limit yourself to that. I live in Virginia and my agency is in Montana. I've never been to Montana, but my long distant bills would seem otherwise. (hee hee)

Hang in there. Your child with find you.
Terri
mommy to Elaina, 4 y.o., from Guatemala City
waiting on Joely, 9 mos, from Antigua