Some Hopeful News

Since my last post there have been some new development in the Guatemalan situation. Last Wednesday they passed the Ortega Law which is not the one we were hoping for. It has many holes and gaps regarding how children and birthmothers will be cared for when the new procedures go into act. More importantly, it does not contain a "Grandfather" clause assuring that in-process adoptions will continue without interruption to their completion.

But then two days later, we received word that the U.S. Department of State and the Hague Permanent Bureau are supporting an amendment to grandfather current cases. Even UNICEF gave some luke-warm support to our cause.

So while this is good news, ultimately it is Guatemala's decision and apparently it will not be voted until mid-November.

JCICS is asking that everyone concentrate their efforts on the U.S. Congress and UNICEF to continue the push for this amendment.

I sent a brief email to UNICEF stating:
"I am writing in support of JCICS, the US Department of State and The Hague Permanent Bureau in issuing a clear and concise statement in support of the “grandfathering” of existing adoption cases in the new Guatemalan adoption laws.

We are currently in process to bring our son home and were shaken to the core upon finding this might not occur.

While we support all efforts in the world that support future adoptions and procedures, please do not forget that for many prospective parents and children it is about the present day, not just the future.

We have shared our joyous decision to adopt for the second time with all of our family, friends and our daughter. Our home and hearts are ready to raise our son, please help ensure that this becomes the reality when we are so close to having him with us."


So, here's my final thought:
If a Chinese girl and her Dad can ride a camel at a flea market, why can't our Guatemalan son come home to Kentucky? Anything is possible.