[Brousseau]

Me and my husband have a favorable homestudy and we have also been approved byUSCIS. However, there is information in our homestudy about us being recovering alcoholics, involved in AA for almost 8 years now. We have no criminal background and our agency tells us not to worry, however we were told not to worry when we tried adopting from China and they turned us down. This is very difficult for us as we have a wonderful life togather and would love more than anything else to be parents. All of our friends and family think we would make wonderful parents. We are trying to adopt again from Guatemala and are hopeful this can happen for us. I know this is a very personal matter, however if there are others that have any experience with this, please e-mail, you may also e-mail me privately at Ohauna@adelphia.net. Thanks for listening, this past year has been difficult not knowing if we will be approved at the level of country. Sincerely, S.B.

[marie2005]

I'm wondering if that can be left out of your homestudy. But that aside, I would try to believe what your agency says as far as likelihood of being approved. We are also in the process for Guatemala with a past issue we are concerned about. I called many agencies and explained the issue to try to find out if there was a consensus as to whether or not we'd be approved, and generally, they all thought we would. It's alot of money and emotions to risk though.

[Hope4Mya]

S.B.,

We are in the early stages of a China adoption and fear we will be rejected. My husband had 3 arrests in his past. Two were on the minor side but the last was a DUI. I never realized how awful that sounds or how it must look on paper to see. I had forgotten about all this until we started the process and my heart nearly sank. I wondered if we should even continue on at one point. I finally stopped myself and realized that we are much better people than I was giving us credit. My husband is a wonderful father to his 2 daughters. He is a good man and husband and we can only hope that China will see that too. I'm sorry that you did not get to adopt from China. I truly believe in letting the past go and moving on but others cannot seem to do so. Kudos to you and your husband for 8 years in recovery. Best wishes to you both with your Guatamala adventure. I'll keep you in my prayers.

B.R.

[Shoshana]

Brousseau - you should ask this question on the Guatemala forum - there are participants there who may have more info for you.

[starryeyes]

I'm not sure, but I did want to tell you I think it takes a lot of courage and conviction to overcome alcoholism. I respect and admire you for that. Keep pushing ahead and I hope the good things you deserve come to you.

[kllee4]

You and your husband's continued sobriety should be commended and I take my hat off to you for your ocntinued strength in that area. I believe that being honest will eventually be a postive for you both and I will be sending good thoughts your way that those in charge will feel the same and give you guys a chance. Good luck!