A little more news

Today on one of the well respected sites pertaining to Guatemalan adoptions, there is a post that PGN is "planning" to release files as early as today. Now, I have not seen anyone post that they are OUT, but I am hopeful to see this in the next day or so. When I do, I will certainly pass this on as well. This will be a HUGE step in nearing the end. After I leave PGN, I would have to get the new BC and then the 2nd DNA test. And then, go get Charlotte!!!! I don't want to get too excited, but today, I feel as if I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. For now, that works.

sara

Some good news....

My agency emailed me this afternoon to tell me that the birth mother interview was completed yesterday and it went well!!! Yeah!!! I am thrilled to hear this news. However, I was also saddened by some news that they shared with me. Supposedly 6 children were taken from their FM's arms and sent to orphanages. The reason is that during the questioning, the BM agreed to the offer of monthly money, housing and medical aide from the government. (Imagine sitting across from 3-5 attorneys and not fully understanding the way they were questioning you?) I am hopeful that this will all be sorted out and that the children will get to go back to their FM's and then to their forever homes.

There is also a story posted on the chat forums I monitor from the Associate Press saying that 15 adoptions have been "annulled" for now. If there really is corruption, stolen children or some other tragedy, I want it fixed. If not, there are families who have waited a LONG time to bring these kids home. The US Government is saying that they can't get involved. That's not right. They were quick to take action when GT was working on an adoption law. Where are they now???

I have written to my Congressmen and Senators and I know many of you have as well. Thank you for that. I do believe that soon, someone will have to take notice and do something. Are we not supposed to be doing what is best for the children???

I am so happy for to know that I am one step closer to my forever family. Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers. And if all goes well, I will have some new photos soon.

Sara

Interview Scheduled

I received a call yesterday afternoon from my facilitator that my BM interview has been scheduled for Tuesday 5/20/08. I also received a verification email from the agency today and they said that they hope to report back to me on the 21st. Wow!!!! I am very excited that this is scheduled but I am also nervous.

What's next you ask??? Again, nothing is definitive but here's what the scuttlebutt about the future process is:
Once I complete the BM interview and she signs off AGAIN, they are saying that PGN will start to release files the first week of June. After that my file goes to the CR in Mixco. This has been a troubled spot but my facilitator informed me that my attorney has gotten BC's out of there in a fairly timely manner. And then it's off to the US Embassy for the 2nd DNA request, processing and then pick up. I am staying as positive as possible but am also cautious. I want her home before her 1st birthday (8/18/08) and I think that's a real possibility as long as no other BIG things happen.

But today is a good day and I am getting closer to having Charlotte home with me. Ooooh, I nearly forgot, I should have some new pix next week as well. Of course I'll post them as soon as I get them.

thanks.

More uncertainty.....

Since my last post, the new AG has requested interviews of the birth mothers!!! Yes, the BM's are to go to PGN along with the attorney, the FM and the baby. They are from what I've found out seated in front of a panel of PGN reviewers and members of the national adoption council (or whatever it's called). The claim is that they are necessary to make sure that the BM is the real BM and she really is relinquishing her child. The news posted is that the interviews seem to have gone okay. Of course the Guatemalan media is much like our own and has had a field day with this. The media has also reported on raids at a few hogars (orphanages). One was because they claim the woman, who happens to be the sister of a congressman in the opposition party, was harboring stolen children. The other that I know of is a hogar operated by an American woman. I don't know what is fact and what is fiction for sure.

As for Charlotte, she is still in private foster care. I have not heard that our BM interview has been scheduled. I know our attorney did have a couple last Thursday and Friday. I have not called PGN to check on anything. With the interviews going on, no one seems to be getting the same answer as to where their file is from day to day.

And me, I'm doing my best to hang in there. Mother's Day I thought would be tough but it was actually a nice day. Today on the other hand is not. Eric will be starting chemo in a couple of weeks and I am worried about him. My mom is worried about both of us, so of course that makes me concerned for her. And my fantasy timeline is blown to shreds. The latest one was that she'd be home the end of May. Now I'm hoping she's here for mom's birthday (7-11).

It is soooo frustrating to be caught in the middle of all of this and then see and have people tell me how they know someone who just brought a child home from Guatemala, their adoption only took 4-6 months. I've been in the frickin' PGN for 4 1/2 months!!!! Yes, I know that in the end I will have a wonderful daughter. And yes when this is done my case will have been done totally above board and legal. But at this particular minute that does NOT matter to me.

Sorry to rant but I am very sad, frustrated and working into anger. (funny one of my adoption friends is at the anger stage and I told her I'd probably be joining her soon, guess I am)

Sara