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.

Her name is Estela

By the time I contacted the orphanage, Carlos Enrique had an active sponsor. Instead of sponsoring a boy, I asked if I could sponsor this adorable little girl.

Her name is Estela.

Her caregivers are calling her Estelita. That's such a beautiful name - I think I might call her Estelita also!

Isn't she beautiful?