[patterson_mandy]

Hello, Everyone. I have so enjoyed reading all the postings. My husband and I live in Austin, Texas and are attending our first big adoption orientation in Dallas this weekend. We have been accepted into both the domestic and international adoption programs, but are leaning towards a Guatemalan adoption. Has anyone on these message boards used the Gladney agency? Just curious..they seem to be very reputable so far. We're both very anxious and excited...

Good luck to all,
Mandy

[numbr1dbcksfan]

I went to support group there while I was living in Texas...they are excellent, while I didnt place there....Ive heard lots of good stories....they even recently had a big get together for all members of the triad on their new...and very beautiful campus!
Good Luck!

[patterson_mandy]

Barb:

Thank you so much for your reply. It's comforting to know that someone else is out there trying to do the same thing we're doing (i.e. Gladney Center, Guatemalan adoption).

A few questions: was it Aug. 2002 that you went to an orientation, and then Dec. 31 of 2002 you got your referral?

Did you request boy or girl or did they just refer a baby boy to you? Do you know when you'll be traveling yet?

I'm a little anxious as we've been going through the infertility process for quite some time and now I want to hurry everything along, but know I have to be patient! (I'm sure everyone feels this way).

Thanks so much for your help and support!
Mandy in Austin

[patterson_mandy]

Barb:

Have you gotten a photo of your little boy? If so, post it! I'd love to see...and how old is he?

P.S. I'll wave to you this Friday when we're at our Gladney seminar in Fort Worth!

Mandy

[catbite]

Hi,
I'm also using Gladney - I'd be happy to discuss off-line.
makirchner@yahoo.com

[Juli]

I am a former birthparent caseworker from Gladney. I worked there a number of years ago, but from what I saw, everything was done well, and "by the book." I worked with the domestic adoption program, and they were just beginning to develop the international program then. I felt they were ethical and provided good support to all members of the adoption triad. My husband and I are starting to plan our adoption, we will most likely use Gladney services, either for domestic or international adoption (from Guatemala). Good Luck!

[LP2003]

My DH and I are using Gladney. We also live in Texas. Once our paperwork was complete we had our referral in about 4-5 weeks. We had requested a girl since we already have 1 Bio son. At that time there was absolutely no wait for a boy.

I had actually expected to wait longer for the referral. 4-5 weeks was actually very quick especially since we had the Christmas Holiday season to deal with. Guatemalan adoptions slow down quite a bit during that period.

We have been very pleased with the agency. I have several acquaintances that have used Gladney and no one has anything but positive feedback.

Good luck to you both!