[ydh]

Just thought I would add to the information-- our judge in Chiriqui IS making us return to David for the final hearing on our daughter. Nothing we can really do but comply. The way I understand it is every judge can decide how he/she will run the adoptions. The system is currently based on a procedure for local adoptions- requiring adopting parents to attend the "audience" stating whether they wish to make the "temporary" gaurdianship a permanent one. Plus the court wants to see the child. Hopefully, it will take us only a couple of days- 1 for the hearing (where the other court officials that make opinions on the case) must be present-- then one day to draw up the final resolution. We are pretty disappointed we have to go back- you all know the expenses, plus just having to disrupt our lives to go back-- but it is worth it. A part of me would like to have that decree in my hot little hand anyway. So I just thought I would post it-- because it is a possiblity for this providence anyway-- IT would not keep me from trying to adopt a child from there- just something to be aware of. FYI- I have started talking to Rosa about returning to visit our lawyer and tell them she wants to stay here - her responses are very interesting-- she wants us all to go sleep at Trisker orphanage- not stay there just visit-- she wants to know what has happened to the people there-- I tell her -- her "Tias" still go there and care for the children-- that makes her sad. She has said once- her new family should go stay at Trisker- it is very sad,and I hate we have to talk about this stuff so soon. I don't bring it up- but this is what she will remember when I tell her we are going back just for a few days. Ugh! It is not that I would never discuss this stuff-- just wanted her to be older- a few more language barriers gone- and more time for her to feel secure. yh

[lsworan]

When do you return to Panama? How long between the original date and the return date for the final documents? Do you have to go through any additional Embassy paperwork?

Sorry for all the questions. I know that there are many reasons for not wanting to go back right away (financial, emotional for your daughter, stress level for you, etc.). I am sorry that you have to go through that so soon, and I pray that it is a short trip for you all.

Thanks for keeping us informed.
Lauri

[ydh]

Legally- the temporary placement is 3 months- but having paperwork all sent for Apostils, translations, registered at the DNA-- then out to the judge in Chiriqui- it has been alittle over 5 months since our return in Sept. We do not have to go to the Embassy- Rosa's VISA is good for a few years. But we will have to have that decree to get on a plane and through customs. yh

[1STTIMEMOM]

YH,
Can I ask how long it has taken you from the start of your Panama adoption to when you got to go pick up Rosa?
We have been with them since July 2003. We are approved, we know that but we know nothing else. Our attorney tells us of needy children all the time, but none of them ever pan out. We still are hoping that one day it will complete. We went there May 2004 for interviews, etc..
We submitted everything to Guatemala in Dec 2004. We are currently in process of adopting a little girl from their that is 3 months old now. Hoping to complete in June if all goes well.
I check this forum often to see if anything is ever picking up in Panama.

Thanks for the info.