Released today: Guatemala has stated that it will become a Hague Convention country on January 1, 2008. Guatemalan officials have informed us that Guatemala plans to require cases pending or filed after December 31, 2007 to meet Hague standards, even if the adoption procedures commenced before that date. They have also informed us they will not process adoptions for non-Hague member countries after December 31. We understand this to mean that Guatemala will stop processing adoptions to the United States beginning January 1, 2008, until U.S. accession to the Hague Convention takes effect. Given the average time frame for completing an adoption in Guatemala, cases started now cannot be completed before January 1, 2008.
Today is a such a sad day for everyone involved with Guatamalan adoptions. Mostly, for the wonderful children and amazing men and women (adopting and allowing their children to be adopted) I think I can speak for most of the people we know that are in process or have completed an adoption-from the moment you receive the picture they are YOUR children. The thought of all these children and waiting families going through potentially months/years of waiting is heartbreaking. I'm sure like everything else in life you have the good with the bad and there probably is corruption among the thousands of adoptions that take place. It is my firm belief that if this does in fact occur, it is the exception as opposed to the rule. Not only did I live in Guatemala for a period of time, but I know quite a few people that have adopted and I do not know of one case that involves corruption. I'm all for making the process better and more efficient, but to shut this down is cruel. If only the individuals making these decisions were in the shoes of the people and children that will be waiting for them. Mia and Mazlin have changed our lives forever. I couldn't help but think of this the whole time we were bathing them and putting them to bed. Everyone in process deserves to experience this love.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Happy 1st Birthday Mazlin!
We celebrated Mazlin's 1st birthday today with family and friends. She was a trooper. Lots of faces and noises. She is really shy (much different than Mia) and hides her little face everytime someone says hello to her. We had a great day and loved celebrating with her.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Saturday, September 08, 2007
A latte and some face paint
Dennis and I were laughing this morning thinking about how our Saturday mornings of long ago (actually, less than 3 years ago) consisted of a latte, the paper and a conversation about what movie we would see, what new restaurant we would try or what new music we would buy. It was so quiet around our spotless house and we had so much time to kill. In hindsight, we weren't even 10% as happy as we are today. We love our mornings with the girls. They are hilarious together and keep us laughing constantly.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Little Diva
Aracely has really been a godsend to our family. I knew by talking with her references she was very special person and all of the children love her, but I'm amazed at how much Mia and Mazlin are connected to her. Every morning she does Mia's hair (with big people hairspray-see photo)before they go anywhere. Mazlin doesn't have enough hair to do anything with at this point but I'm sure as it grows she will get the same treatment. Mia's room is filled with drawings that Araceley made to help her learn Spanish. She makes amazing meals for them throughout the day and teaches our whole family things about her culture as well. I love having her here. Dennis is gone pretty often and just knowing someone else is in the house makes me feel so much better.
We went shopping to get her what she need for her room and she really just wanted picture frames and few little things. I've not been in her room since she moved in and she wanted to show me what she had done..the walls are covered with pictures of her family and her extended network of friends. She is here for an opportunity to learn English and apply for her masters degree. She really is a pretty courageous person to be here so far from her family at 25 years old. You would think by now I've learned that change isn't about what you're giving up (space, privacy, etc.) but more about what you gain (new culture, wonderful influences, etc.)
Now, if I could just make her understand that taking the car to the Casino on her off time can't happen again. To her defense-I never told her she couldn't. Live and Learn. Now I tell her everything in painstaking detail.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Sisters
This weekend we had our annual sisters and nieces weekend. We shopped, watched documentaries (a genetic disposition we all share),laughed and drank too many frozen rum drinks. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. We really do have a great relationship and I feel very fortunate to have them in my life. Moving back has made me realize your family is a big part of who you are based on experiences and history. It felt good to laugh about the good and bad times and a few other things that will remain nameless. Let's just say the more things change the more they stay the same. I'm sworn to secrecy but Steph knows what I'm talking about it.
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