Did I mention the "age" thing?

I was trying to explain to my family why I am not waiting until I have all the money saved again. I know they mean well, but sometimes I just wish they'd say "okay, sounds great" instead of questioning me every time I tell them what I'm doing.

Since I had to use my adoption nest egg last year to pay my mortgage, I'm in a bit of a bind financially to adopt now. SO I was contemplating cashing out a 401k or 403b account. I know that this isn't the smartest idea from a long-term perspective, but I'd have the money when it's needed.

When asked why I'd consider such a thing, I had to explain the age situation. When a parent is older than 45, most countries prefer not to place an infant with that parent. As examples - since I'm a lucky single woman, I'm limited to 5 yo or older in Peru and 7 yo or older in Colombia.

Just another reason to dread a birthday - LOL

Come on, Guatemala! Give me some good news already!

Still no new process

When Guatemala chose to change its process to be Hague-compliant, it said that it would have a new process in place by April 1.

As of today, still no new process has been announced...

Today I spent a lot of time online researching again for what seems like the MILLIONTH day of looking for options. So many countries are closing or slowing down processes.... sometimes it feels like nothing is going "my way" except that I remain interested in adopting from Guatemala. Only God knows why because it definitely isn't an easy option as of today. Some people refuse to believe Guatemala will re-open for adoption. I prefer to believe it will.

I'm grateful that I spent Easter with some friends and their family. I loved being with people who have been together for years and years and years.... I crave more of that belongingness and togetherness in my life.

Lightbulb Epiphany

WOW!

OH WOW!

OH MY! WOW!

I could get my Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification and get a job in Guatemala. I might not be making as much money as I would in the States, but what an amazing way to live in Guatemala with my daughter.

yes, that was a great idea that crossed my mind this afternoon.....

So here's a wild idea....

This weekend I was talking with one of my girlfriends about going to Guatemala this summer. We can do individualized Spanish language immersion programs. I'm more interested in business Spanish, and she's more interested in educational Spanish.

I think it would be an awesome adventure.

No promises

Even though I knew it wouldn't be probable, I'm glad I asked.

Basically, no one has a clear sense of what's going to happen in Guatemala. It isn't clear if the caregivers will be involved in identifying the families who will eventually adopt children currently in the homes.

I will continue to be part of the group caring for Estela.

And, we'll see what happens in the future...

Asked about Estela

I decided that I had to ask if it would be possible for me to be considered for Estela's forever family placement.

The first email I received in response:

I knew you would fall in love, but you know we can't promise anyone these children since we don't know what the Guatemalan government is going to do. April we might know something, If you start papers you will be able to submit in the Central Authority and who knows they may give people choices. Or not? We'll let you know.

The second email I received in response:

What we have heard is that the homes have a list of children and the adoptive families will be on a list and the CA will try first to match the child with a Guatemalan family and if one is not available for that age and sex of child they will then offer the child to families on the list. We don't know how that list will be managed? We heard that the children in our home may be selected by the CA for families unknown to us. and families will be offered children from homes they don't know anything about. We hope this is not true, but that is what we are told.