A Guatemalan adoption story:

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Dennis S

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In a different thread, Christina mentioned the possibility of adopting a child from Guatemala, which reminded me of the wonderful adoption story of friends of ours. This took place over 25 years ago, and isn't meant to imply anything about present adoption practices.

Our friends desperately wanted to adopt a baby girl. They are a very strong Christian couple, and it was their strong personal belief that they could not pay any bribes. Under those circumstances, people in the know told them their chances of getting approval for their adoption were not good. They were so concerned that the husband went alone, as she couldn't bear to get close and fail.

Tom got into the country (I believe it was Guatemala), and to his surprise they basically handed over a little girl. It was explained as a chance to "get to know her" before the formal procedures were formalized. In reality, Tom came to believe that these particular corrupt officials were counting on him becoming attached, which he did. It then became apparent that nothing would be approved without money under the table. The officials were in no hurry to get the child back. But no papers were going to be signed until cash was paid. Tom couldn't bear the thought of leaving without the girl. He felt overwhelmed. Tom was heartsick, and called Diane, no longer able to handle this by himself.

Diane flew down, and immediately was also smitten by the girl. They had a strong sense they shouldn't pay the bribes. But they knew they could never leave this girl in Guatemala. They were driving, talking, praying and crying. Tom had driven to the government building where the bribe would be extracted and the papers signed. But they couldn't bring themselves to go in and pay the bribe.

They were sitting in the car when a woman left the ministry building and approached their car. She wondered why they were in the parking lot, since the building was closed for a holiday. In the best Spanish he could muster, Tom explained their plight.

What followed has put a catch in Tom’s throat for the last 15 years. The woman thought for a moment, made a silent decision and said, “follow me”. Inside the building she basically said these guys never did anything but drink coffee, smoke cigars and order the women to do their work. She said they had her prepare all the papers, then sign their names where appropriate. She went to work, and they had all the papers, prepared and signed. Her only request was that they leave the country as soon as possible. They blessed her through their tears, and took the first flight home. And that’s how Nadia came to America, 25 years ago.
 
Kind of gives you goosebumps doesn't it. Nadia was destined to be adopted by your friends and looks like nothing could stop it. Thanks for sharing this uplifting story.
 
Dennis -

Dennis -

Thank you for letting me know on a PM about your thread on the Guatemalan adoption. Such a wonderful story. I do not think we will have such an "easy" time of adopting from Guatemala (if we decide to go that route), but I hope so!! Love the name Nadia. :)

Our adoption story as of now: China adoption is now taking almost two years from dossier log in, in China, until referral of a child. It is this way for all adoptive families - we are standing in line waiting just like hundreds of couples. It is an agonizing wait, especially for those of us who do not have children at home already (and those of us who are older and for whom time is of the essence). If we would have adopted just 2-3 years ago, we would have been to China and back by now, as the wait back then was only 8 months. We are on month 8 of our wait right now and have been told it will be late next year before we get our referral.

So, I am freaking out and wanting to hear the pitter-patter of little feet (besides that of our dog and cats! - hee) around the house and Wayne and I are discussing adopting a little boy from Guatemala as they have no age restrictions to speak of regarding the adoptive parents.

It is something that is hard to wrap our minds around as we had planned on having ONE child, a daughter from China and were looking forward to that special relationship the three of us could have. I am not sure how a little boy would figure into the equation, but as you said in your PM Dennis, "God will make a way." One of my favorite sayings is "God is in the details." AND He/She is.

I will keep you all posted if we take a little boy into our home PLUS a little girl from China. We could have a little boy from Guatelama in our home by the end of the year if we really hurried as we already have a home study done and have a USCIS approval (for international adoption). We would just have to complete a Guatemalan dossier.

Loved the story, Dennis, and love the photos you post of beautiful New Mexico and of course, your pretty little granddaughter.

Christina L
 
Chris,
I have a St Louis friend who recently adopted a little boy and little girl from Guatamala. She and her husband originally planned on just adopting the little boy but once they got there and met the little girl they couldn't help but want to take her home, too. I remember her telling me it was not an easy process for them, mostly because of the woman she was working with on the paper work. The woman was dropping the ball most of the time. My friend sends me pictures periodically and my gosh those kids are so cute. You can tell how happy the whole family is!

Good luck in your adoption efforts.
 
Wonderful story Dennis! It gave me goosebumps also.

Christina - I would say: Do what you feel led to do. If you feel 2 years is too long to wait - full steam ahead on other adoption options. And best wishes!
 
Mary and Karlynn -

Mary and Karlynn -

We will not give up on our China adoption. We will just have two children instead of one if we decide to do an interim adoption. :) Which is a far different plan than we started out with. Now we are considering Kazakhstan besides Guatemala and Wayne would prefer another little girl but I am leaning towards a little boy. I will keep you posted.

Thanks for your well wishes.

Christina L
 
What a lovely story Dennis!!

Christina, I can't wait to see your thread titled 'I'm a mummy'!! You will be a fantastic mum and any child, wherever they come from will be lucky to have you!!!

Love Emma
xxx
 
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