I really can't wait. I know I've said it a million times, but I didn't think it would mean this much to me. It's just a "formality." But, I've been reading up on the situation with Guatemalan adoptions. Have you heard about this? I've read blogs about parents who have been in Guatemala since being matched with their baby. One couple has been there for five months WITH their child and now there is the alarming possibility that they might not be able to adopt him. And where would he go? Right back to the orphanage. Why in the world would this happen? Who in their right mind would say this is the best thing? According to this site the Guatemalan government feels there are too many unethical adoption practices linked to international adoption. I won't waste anyone's time and argue that it's not true, because we all know adoption can be ridiculously corrupt. So fine - go ahead and reform laws and work on the system. But do it starting now. Don't say that couples already matched and in love with their baby have to go home or start the process again. They're already parents to that child in their heart. It's not like buying a new car - like they can just get back on the list and start over and be fine. We're talking about families here. Families already made.
The good news is that apparently both sides (US and Guat.) are caving a bit and saying that adoptions already in the process can proceed, but how long with that last? It makes me NUTS!
So, back to my original reason for this post - hearing about families already so bonded and in love with their babies makes me want our finalization done NOW. It's a formality, but it's one I want to be over and done with.
Also, if you have more news on the situation in Guatemala, please comment. I'd love to learn more!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Finalization / the situation in Guatemala
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4 comments:
Yep..it's a formality, but it's an important one, for sure! My heart is breaking for families in this sort of situation. Not just in Guatamala, either. Plenty here in the USA, too. :(
Makes me happy to know that birthdad and birthmom both signed and that our finalization is scheduled and approaching fast.
Hope ours both goes off without a hitch! :)
Yes, there's a lot of corruption in Guatemala (and here). But what we need to focus on is there are plenty of NOT-corrupt adoption stories out there, too!
Have you looked into the whole issue with UNICEF offering $28 million to the Guatemalan president? They say it's to establish programs so that the babies can remain IN Guatemala, but many in the Guat-adopt community say it's a bribe because it's conditional upon Guat prohibiting international adoptions.
For the record, I did lose the referral of the Guatemalan child of my heart, after 14 months of waiting and a VERY unethical adoption process (it was a complete LIE from the start, but it cost me lots of money, lots of time, and my heart to find out what a lie it was).
My heart truly aches for all of the families facing every day not knowing if their adoption will be finalized. I hope your day is VERY soon (I've been following your blog since right before you were matched).
Oh- I am sure it will be a relief to complete finalization. It is just a formality, but important.
Guatamala seems like such a mess. There's so much poverty there, so many problems that seem insurmountable. Adoption is just one of many issues that the country is seeking to reform.
Anderson Cooper did a big special on it a few weeks ago.
I have read some different things about Unicef and Guatamala over the years, and Stacy pointed out something new that I hadn't yet heard. I would love to read more about that Stacy, if you have some links!
We had thought about adopting from Guatamala about two years ago, and started hearing some rumblings then and switched to domestic.
Hmm.
Wow! I have heard a few horror stories on Guat-US adoptions, but this is enough to make anyone scared to death.
I don't blame you for wanting to be "done."
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