You definately should get paid for the positive good you are doing with this site. I have been in the process for almost a year. Until I began reading the posts off of this site I had no hope at all. I wish I could hire you for something! How much is your electric bill? If it isn't like mine $482-last month I'll pay it for you.
Kim

Folks,

It is also important to understand that virtually all of the attorneys handling cases have a vested interest in these cases coming out of PGN. It is their "bread and butter" financially. Many have gone months without receiving the second half of their adoption fee, which is generally rendered AFTER the case exits PGN. It is much more likely those in Guatemala will bring about change as opposed to your agency.

It is safe to assume that your attorney is fighting harder for change than any other entity involved.

Hang in there. The gates will open eventually and all the animosity and frustration will turn into great joy!!

Troy Webb

Thank you SO much for keeping us so informed. You are definitely a blessing to waiting parents who are hungry for any bits of information. You're definitely appreciated, and I'm sorry some people view your blog as a service rather than a help. MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS!!!!!!!!

I agree with Troy. The lawyers are paid by the case and for them to have such long waits is a disadvantage too. The longer the PGN the longer they pay for foster care and other expenses too. The agencies do not have any authority over the PGN so we are also at their mercy...... We know the families suffer with the wait and we suffer too but most of all the children suffer and that is intolerable for all of us in this situation. We must work together with the ADA to get the PGN to do their job. And Kelli We do thank you for what you do, I am sure it gets depressing hearing everyone bellyaching all the time. Thanks Sandi

Kelly,

I just want to chime in, too, and tell you how much I have appreciated the information you have provided here. It has been so helpful, and calming during our long wait. You are truly appreciated !

Sincerely,
Connie

Kelly:

Thanks so much for your help and posts. You may not realize how many people out here appreciate your site to be able to get a non-biased update on the events in Guatemala.

I agree with the others that we will look back at this as a minor bump in the road once we are all home with our children. However, my wife and I, like most PGN waiters, can think of nothing else right now. I seriously doubt that 5-10 minutes has gone by in my life for the past 2 months, (aside from when I am sleeping which is rare), that I haven't thought about our daughter and case and the PGN holdup. It is consuming us right now - if we can get through before our health and emotional well being is completely distraught, we will be OK.

Anyhow, to everyone, keep in mind that the purpose of this step in PGN is to legitimize the adoption. Most all of us have heard the negative stories about Guatemala adoptions - this step helps to ensure that we can sleep knowing that our child needed a better home and that his/her mother willingly allowed us to give that home to her birthchild. I would not be comfortable believing that these steps were not taken to ensure the legitmacy of the adoption.

Hang in there everyone, we have been in since April 17th. No Previos (kickouts), no issues - we are told our case is sitting on the director's desk waiting for a signature. We pray Director Barrios signs off very soon for us and everyone else.

Thanks again Kelly!

Scott & Jeri

Kelly - BTW - setup a PayPal account and give us a place to make a donation to the site. Even if only a small amount - I know we would make a donation if it were easy!

Kelly
I think you are both great and though I would never email you or private message you as an authority on my case, I admit I did suggest that someone contact you on a very specific issue, not relating to guessing timelines, etc. It is my opinion that you do this because you are passionate about it and you want to help. I don't understand why people would think you could help them with their cases or guess their timelines. You do seem bigger than life, as I think about it. Obviously you have contacts and can get answers that others can't.

Have you ever thought about charging a yearly fee to read the whole text of your articles? I can't imagine anyone would mind paying 5 or 10$ a year. Just a thought.

Good luck on the job front and God bless.

Adoptive Families,
I think it is time we each sent Kelly $5.00 to help pay her electric bill this month. The (free)information she provided is INVALUABLE. We are all in this together so let's do it!

Kelly--Set up that paypal account, would ya? You have a lot of love out here so let us help you as you help us ALL THE TIME.

"Pay Kelly's Light Bill" Campaign!!

Jamie

Thanks guys!

I really, really, really appreciate the comments and the support. As I stated before, I certainly welcome questions...and I'll always help where I can.

If I could make this a fulltime job (and manage to get by)....I certainly would!!!!! I really enjoy what I do HERE!!!

There is a paypal donate button on the top right. If you do not see it, you may have some security blocks. But I will be happy to send the paypal info to anybody wishing to donate (I would be a fool to turn down donations!!).

Believe me, I get a lot of gratification out of the "THANKS" sent through comments and email!!

Cheers and warm wishes!

Kelly--

No paypal button on my screen. Please send along the info so I can contribute to the "Pay Kelly's Light Bill" Campaign. Thanks and hang in there!!!

Jamie

Kelly,
Your efforts are very much appreciated. To those that want to donate...the paypal button is on the very first page of the site under MAKE A DONATION. I just went there. Kelly has given us a lot of good information and the only thing she gets is what we give!
Thanks so much,
Teena

Hi Kelly, thanks again for your tireless efforts on our behalfs. The information and advice you provide is extremely helpful! I do have a question for anyone who may have the answer - what happens after you have been kicked out, the correction made and resubmitted to PGN? Does it go back to the same reviewer? Does it then go on to another reviewer who could kick it out for something else or has the file been reviewed by "all" and just requires the correction before going to the directors desk? My case went into PGN on April 17th, kicked out the week of May 29th because my name was not listed as the adopting parent on the pre-approval, correction made and resubmitted to PGN last Tuesday. I just can't stop worrying and am so afraid that another reviewer will find something else. One would hope that they would review the file completely and then let the lawyer know which documents require correction all at once rather than in and out.

Thanks,
Michele

Michele,
I am 'sort of' in a similar situation. We got in PGN on April 29th and were expecting to get a previo since we did not have our pre-approval yet, which we did (and that was the only reason we got a previo). We received our PA today and so they are going to re-submit. From what my case worker said, it goes to the same reviewer and not a different one. Has anyone heard differently? I am interested in knowing. There is so many different answers that it's hard to believe any of them. Also, is there anyone who recently got out of PGN approved either the first time or after a previo(s) tell those of us who are currently waiting the time frames from when their case was re-submitted to the time they got out for good? That way, we can all see how different people's cases are going through. I know not one case will be at all similar to the next, but I am just curious to know.
Kelly M

Michele, My understanding is that the papers do not go back to same reviewer, that you don't get out any sooner just because is a resubmission, and that there could be more kick-outs. (Efficiency is not the name of the game!) But things do seem to be moving and you are going through PGN at a better time now than in recent months...so maybe it will be quick! Good luck.

Hi Michele,
I hope you get my response:
We have been in PGN since 3/24 with one minor correction very minor. It went back into PGN it went to the same reviewer, from what I understand from our agency it does not always go back to the same reviewer in this case it did. Who knows if that is bad or good. I just know I want it to come out of PGN like you. The lawyer did say they look at all the documents again not just the correction. CRAZY!

I understand you all feel that it is the attorney's "bread & butter" and it is in their best interest financially to hurry the case out of PGN. I guess my two cases stuck in PGN are unique in that my agency collected all our money for two adoptions up front and we continue to pay for every month the baby remains in foster care!!! My agency and attorney are certainly not suffering.

Michele,
I am in the same spot as you and Rita. We went in to PGN originally on April 7th, then were kicked out for a reason we were expecting (no PA)on May 3rd. We resubmitted on June 7th. My understanding from our agency (which has been right on the mark thus far) was the same as Rita... it usually goes back to the same reviewer, but not always. And that once you're back in, there is the possibility of more previos.

As far as time line... We visited our daughter during the first week of May'06, and at that point (last week of April/first week of May), our agency, and families bringing their children home, both said that cases that were kicked out for having previos seemed to be processing faster than the other cases submitted. (most seemed to be exiting within 2-3 weeks once back in with no other problems found).

At this stage, who knows... but like you, I would like to hear from more families that have come out over the past few weeks, to see how it's flowing now.

Prayers be with all of you,
Cheri

We went into PGN on April 24, knew we were getting kicked out on April 28 because my agency didn't sign the home study! The file was released on May 11, and we went back in on May 15 and it's still sitting there! Adoption Supervisors said this is the worst they have ever seen PGN.

I hope we all get out really soon!

Robin

Robin

Michele, et al,

We also went into PGN at the beginning of April and were issued a Previo during the week of May 15th (our agency was not specific.) It was a minor correction and we returned to PGN the next day. We found out on Friday, that last week on Thursday (the 15th) that we were issued a second Previo for yet another extremely minor rewording error. We re-entered into PGN on Friday.

We are hopeful since our case has now been seen twice that this third time will come quickly and result positively, but its really hard to wait. I would also like to hear a bit more about the revised timeframe, although it sounds to vary so much from case to case.

Thank you Kelly for such an informative and hopeful site.

Nora

We were just notified today, June 19th, 2006 that we received our final decree from PGN. We went in on April 10th kicked for something the attorney had to do on April 24th, then went back in on May 5th.

Our agency has told us our travel will be in four to six weeks.

If anyone can provide assistance about air travel and hotel accomidations leaving from the Philadelphia PA. area. or about the travel in general, we would appreciate your input or advice.

Our prayers go out to the families still waiting to get through PGN. By far, this has been the longest wait of the whole process, as there is nothing to do but wait.

Deena and Gregg

It seems that the current PGN is not functioning under the same procedures as before, so I am at a loss of what to tell everyone.

Its not just from case to case that is different...but week to week!!!

I most certainly disagree with Adoption Supervisors that it is the worse it has ever been. There is NO comparison to the pain and wait that the Hague fiasco of 2003 caused families. Nobody moved and most wondered if their children would EVER come home.

We are seeing a little movement out. But guessing timeframes is still impossible.

While I do not agree with the pay everything up front agency fee and cannot speak to the practices of particular agencies, in general I think its reasonable to be responsible for foster care (I know many contracts state after 6 or 9 months while some contracts factor it totally separately). Just remember how much children tend to cost after they are HOME!!!! :-)

After seeing some other programs and the "care" received waiting for an adoption, I think we are a little spoiled by the level of care we expect from Guatemala.

Again, while I am not defending any agency/attorey practices, I can tell you from experience that a longer wait is costly to an agency/attorney. You still have to monitor the case, check on the children, give updates and deal with some very frustrated and emotional parents. A month is costly...you can imagine that an average of several months added on to every case is a real hardship.

Hang in there...its worth it. I'm curious...how many 1st time parents do we have? How many seasoned adopters and how many with biological children???

Oh...better yet, lets start a whole separate entry!

Hi Kelly, I agree with your statments. My agencies policy is for me to pay 1/2 my fees once the DNA test was done (seems so long ago I am not exactly sure and the balance due when my case comes OUT of PGN. Any lawyer who operates this way is being seriously affected by the delays in PGN. I have been sending clothes to my son Hayden and now that he has reached 6 months old will be sending another package of larger size clothes. I have sent blankets and bibs and bottles. It is not that I don't trust that they will find clothes for him but if the lawyers don't have the funds to provide my son with clothes that fit (I saw earlier pictures of my son wearing clothese that were far to big for him) then at least I am comfortabe that he is getting as comfortable as I would want him to be. I am also sending down a separate package of clothes in 3 - 6 months sizes and will ask my lawyer to see that there are given to someone with a genuine need. Of course these delays do not mean the lawyers stops providing the basic necessities to the foster mom for my son but I want to make sure all bases are covered. Can you imagine if your lawyer has 6 cases in PGN waiting and she has to wait until the are approved before receiving payment. No wonder the lawyers got together and made a push a PGN. This is their livelihood not to mention the staff they employ. Just trying to keep an open mind about how these delays in PGN not only affect me and my son but also others.
Michele

Sorry Kelly, I forgot to address your question about 1st timers, pros etc. I am a first timer and single woman aged 41 (now!) It has been during this process that for the first time in 6 years I wished I had a husbad to come home to so that I could rant and vent all I wanted to - yell, complain, nit-pick and cry and then (once I finally stop) hug me and tell me it will be okay and that he is there for me. Then I can tell him I got divorced for a good reason so he could leave now as my fantasy is over and I will call him if I need him again!! Ha, ha. Amazing what humour can do to the spirit!
Michele

kelly,
you asked how many 1st timers there are out there, my husband and I are 1st timers out in Ca. We just got our DNA tests back,yeah! It took about 3 weeks from the test date until results. Hope that helps. I guess we enter family court next. Does anybody know how long that process takes? Thanks
Stacy

I'm a first time parent and adoptive parent, and although this process has been torture I'm looking foward to starting the process after the first of the year for baby #2. Had I done my research and not gone with a local agency I think alot of my delays could have been avoided.

We accepted Sophia's referral on October 17, we entered family court on January 3, had DNA on March 25, entered PGN on April 24, kick out on May 11 for agency not signing home study, back in on May 15 and still waiting for some good news. Sophia is almost 9 months old and we are going back for our 3rd visit next week. Visiting has really helped emotionally and this month has flown by knowing I have some thing to look foward to.

I wish every one the best of luck and a speedy process!

This is our second adoption. Our first son came home 2/04 at 6 months old. We got stuck with the Hague mess, waiting 6 months for a referral until the congress had made a decision.

Now, we are stuck once again! This time, our second son was referred to us at 2 weeks old and he is turning 8 months old this month. We were submitted to PGN on April 3rd, got kicked out on May 18th. PGN wanted a copy of the civil registry entry of the birth mother's birth certificate - she is from El Salvador. It took 3 weeks to get it done. We went back in on June 7th.

This experience is QUITE different than the first. Although we had to wait 6 months for our first son's referral, after that it was clear sailing. In fact, we were in PGN for only SEVEN business days.

No matter the first or second time around, the heart-break is the same. The only difference is that my 3 year old son keeps me very busy during the day so I don't have time to dwell on this horrible wait. At night is when everything comes to the surface, including the tears. Otherwise, the experience of emotions and anxieties are exactly the same.

Congrats to those who have recently exited and best wishes to those who are waiting!

Hi everyone... I am new to the site and wish I had found it earlier! We are eagerly awaiting news on our little boy Sam, born October 6, 2005. We have been in PGN since May 10th with no news. Hoping something comes along soon. This is our first adoption, and we also have a bio daughter Maddie, age 3.
Thanks for this wonderful resource!
Lisa

PS... Deena I don't know how to email you but we live in Philly and just visited a few weeks ago... I can let you know what we did if you are interested...

Kelly,
Thanks for all you do. We are first time adopters with three bio kids; 14, 12 &10. We re-entered PGN on 6/19 after being K'od for 6 weeks w/ previo.

Clarisa

Has anyone heard if cases are still coming out PGN?

Hi everyone. My husband and I are working on our first adoption. We have no other children and can't wait to have our beautiful Guatemalan baby boy. He was born January 10, 2006. We visited him in February and are itching to visit again. We entered PGN on April 17. We have not had a previo or heard anything else. We are planning a second visit trip if we don't hear anything this week! He is about 5 1/2 months old and we know he's changed so much since we last saw him!

Heather

What's the word? Are cases still coming out of PGN? We had pre-approval from the embassy on 12/12/05 and went in to PGN on February 20th. We were "kicked out" 4 weeks ago, re-submitted 3 weeks ago and there is no word. In 8 days our daughter will be 8 months old! Yes, I am getting frustrated!

This is our second adoption. Interestingly enough, the timelines are very similiar.

1st - Referral 9/23/04, DNA 12/13/04, PGN 1/18/05, 2 rejects, PGN approval 5/31/05, Pink slip 7/28/05, Placement 8/1/05.

2nd - Referral 2/17/06, DNA 5/23/06, PGN 6/8/06

I want to know if there are others that are waiting for DNA authorization? The talk has all been about PGN but we have been waiting since the end of January for DNA authorization. Since I haven't seen much about people waiting for that, it makes me wonder if we're an isolated case and if it's something to do with our agency. Please give me any info or advice any of you may have. I have been told, by my agency, that it looks like things are going to start moving with the Embassy. Our hearts are sick as we keep waiting, and our baby girl keeps growing, with no end in sight. We haven't even been able to go and visit because our agency has the policy of not visiting until DNA has been established. She's 8 months old on the 24th. Appreciate your info on attachment. It is so true. We had been foster parents and did a lot of studying up on attachment and bonding issues. The older they are the more work on our parts, as parents, to attach them to us purposely. Thank you so much for this sight. It continually gives me hope and courage in spite of the difficulties along the way. I know it will be TOTALLY worth it all when we all bring home our precious little ones.

Kelly,
I LOVE this site! I wish I knew about it months ago. My husband and I are first-timers and just entered PGN on June 2nd, finally! Our beautiful Grace is 6 months old and this has already been a long process with many setbacks and delays. The most noteworthy was the social worker who worked up our case for family court got fired right before it went in front of the judge! That could only happen to us! We are so anxious to meet our daughter as we have been unable to travel. This site has been a blessing to be able to hear all the stories of others who are in our same predicament, to know that we are not alone in this never-ending wait. Keep up the great work! Best wishes to all those waiting--like everyone tells us... anyday now! Kimberly

Hello everyone. This is our first adoption, but we are adopting 2 children, we also have 2 bio children ages 7 & 5. Our daughter was born November 9, 2005, we went to visit her the end of Jan, while visiting we fell head over heals for a toddler boy, he was born July 27, 2004. We came home and decided God had planned for us to become his parents and he our son! Our daughter entered PGN June 7 and our son should enter next week. Good luck to everyone waiting...for any process. God Bless

After reading through all the comments it finally occurred to me: does *any* case get through PGN without at least one previo?

BTW, I'm on my second Guatemalan adoption. Brought my first daughter home in April 2003 (just barely got out before the Hague fiasco) and understand that I'll likely get into PGN this week yet. And, of course, I'm wondering how long my case will be in PGN. I accepted my referral at the end of March, so my case has moved along at a reasonable pace thus far, but as has already been mentioned, who knows how big the PGN backlog is and how long cases just now entering will take to get through?

Terri

Hi Everyone,
We did hear today from our agency that cases that they are handling are starting to come out of PGN that had been kicked out for whatever reasons. Who knows???? I just want my little Angel to come home!!! And we need to get out of PGN before that happens.

Our son was also born on Jan 10th and referred to us on Jan 12th. We entered PGN on March 1st and haven't heard anything. The couple from our aganecy that got their referral a week before us brought their baby home in early May????? There doesn't seem to be much consistancy.
We have 2 bio children and are starting to lose a little hope.
Good Luck to everyone!

Jill -

Please dont get discouraged and lose hope. My husband and I are adopting for the first time as well. It is also our first child. Our son was born on 8/18/2005 and referred to us on 9/6/2005. We were submitted into the PGN on March 10, and were kicked out two times, and resubmitted on 6/20. Our son just turned 10 months old on Father's Day. I am beginning to believe that God has put us through our adoption journey to teach me patients. (I had none before starting our adoption process)

Good luck with your adoption journey and I hope and pray that you get to bring your little one home soon.

Kristina

Most people on this site seem to be way ahead of the game. We laid eyes on our daughter last July-05. Our paperwork went to Guatemala 10/24/05. We went into PGN 3/6 and we have not heard a word. Two families with our Agency got out in the last two weeks. One I know went in after us. So something is happening just at sanils pace. God help us ALL!

Thanks for the update. It is great to hear that some cases are coming out of PGN. This site has been amazingly helpful and full of information. As we wait and have to tell friends and family that we're still waiting........it is nice to know that other families throughout the country are experiencing the same thing. Good luck to all of you and hopefully we will all be united with our children soon. Please keep posting when cases are released from PGN, it really gives us all hope.

Our little boy was referred to us in Aug of 05, we have been in PGN since the beginning of Feb. The PGN stall has been unbelievable to us. Our little guy is now 101/2 months.

Last week we thought things would begin to move, our family was overjoyed. After hearing nothing for another week, I contacted my agency. They have responded that they have been in contact with 15 attorneys working with the agency. NONE of them have any "outs".

I am so glad for all the others that have come out. I wonder why too, PGN seems to move for some and not others. I pray that the "floodgates" do open soon.

Thanks for the site, it has become my lifeline.

I am again losing hope.

Agencys and attorneys "front-loading" their fees at times like this is a sure sign of their own uncertainties. This, for me, would be a "red-flag!" I would encourage everyone to look very closely at arrangements such as this before signing on with any agency. Personally I do NOT like the practice. To me, it once again puts most of the burden on the adoptive parents. And, don't we already have enough burden???

What happens if ALL adoptions cease and NO cases come out of PGN??? Highly hypothetical, but not an impossibility! The common "checks and balances" with first half at referral and 2nd half once the case exits PGN has a built in safety net for all involved!! Remember, the 2nd half will be paid PRIOR to the adoption being finalized!! One will have cleared PGN, but no Protocolo will be signed until receipt of 2nd half.

twebb

Thanks Kristina for your encouragement. I hope that you too will travel soon!!
I wonder if it is all random as to who gets in and out of PGN or if they have some sort of system?
I've been told by several adoptive parents that once we are holding our little one in our arms we will forgot about the wait, I am sure this is true and can't wait for it to happen for all of us.

Hello to anyone that can help!!!!! We have been waiting to get into PGN since June 2nd. Our daughter is 8 months and I'm so worried we won't get to bring her home even at 1 year of age!!!
What is the deal with getting into PGN & why does it take so long getting out????
Looking forward to hearing from someone.
Oh, I am not a first time parent, married with 2 other children ( one deceased, other 8 years).
Marissa

Arvella,

If I were you, I would tell your agency you are willing to sign a waiver for the DNA and go see your baby (if you are comfortable with that). My son was almost 10 months old before I first saw him, and it would have been later than that if I had not forced the issue with my agency and signed the waiver. FYI - He was 13 months old when I brought him home. The wait was maddening (thanks to the Hague mess) but oh so worth it!

Tonja
waiting for referral for baby #2

We were so excited last week, too, when quite a few outs were posted after the ADA's contact with Mr. Barrios. Now, we too are starting to feel discouraged. Our daughter was referred to us last October,we have been in PGN since March and resubmitted for 6 weeks now after a previo. Just wondering when it will all end. Our daughter is already 13 years old and we hoped to have her home here with her birth sister (adopted last year) by now-
We are earnestly praying for all the children waiting to be united with their families, and for the families who wait for their precious loved ones, and for Mr. Barrios-

I am so thankful for this site! Thanks, Kelly, Kevin, Susana and the ADA. Keep up the good work-Having the information you provide here does help at such a time as this-

Sincerely,
Connie

Hello and thanks to everyone who responded. I check this site every day and I didn't see any of your responses until tonight - strange. Anyway, it seems the majority feel that the correction goes back to the same reviewer. My agency told me yesterday that it was their "understanding" that when the correction is made it is returned to the same reviewer who does NOT put it on the bottom of their file but signs off on it and passes it on to the Directors office. However, the Director can also kick it our for whatever reason. Again, as you say, there are different opinions on this and quite honestly I don't see how we could really know what they do behind closed doors. It is very hard to see others whose cases went in after mine, had previous and still received approval before me. Sorry, I don't mean to sound self-centered but it is so hard these days. I try not to read the sites but I am afraid I will miss something that would keep my spirits up.

I also have to say that between this site and the Yahoo Guatemalan Group site that I am a member of, I haven't really seen very many cases come out of PGN after the big meeting that took place on the 13th. I have only seen approx. 7 or 8 between the 2 sites. That doesn't sound right. One would have thought there would be far more coming out considering the legal action that was proposed.

I am emotionally drained right now and very tired. I have trouble sleeping because I have so much on my mind. I truly hope something happens soon for all of us who are waiting and while I believe that this process will certainly makes us stronger it really is hard on all of us.

Someone I work with couldn't understand why I couldn't sleep and didn't think it was that big a deal. They have no idea.

Michele

Michele,
I have the same thing at my work. I actually had someone say to me that I should just walk away. Walk away from my son who is just a little baby. People do not understand. I said to my husband people who do not go through something like this do not understand.But,I was always taught if you have nothing nice to say. SAY NOTHING!
I am on your page and believe me when I do fall asleep it is for a brief time and the minute I wake up my 1st and only thought is my little baby! May God help us all that we all get out of PGN. I will be making plans to visit my little Angel again in the next couple of wks.

It looks as if the people who are posting with either PGN previos or final 'outs' after previos, seem to be around a 6 week time frame. It almost seems the PGN is looking at 'some' cases within a 6 week time frame. I know it is not true for all, but my own case seemed to have gone this way too. Just an observation.

BTW- For what purpose do cases have to 'wait' to get back into PGN after a previo?

KellyM

Marissa Snyder,

Please email me privately at Kelly540@comcast.net. I too am a parent of a deceased child and am in the process of adopting from Guatemala.
Kelly M

We just received word that we exited PGN yesterday! We were originally submitted the first week of February 2006, just after DNA results but before embassy preapproval. US Embassy preapproval came last week of April. PGN KO on May 10. Resubmitted on May 15.

Our prayers are with all the waiting families.

Congratulations Evelin, I cannot imagine what you are feeling now - euphoria, relief! I am very happy for you. Even though we all know that we cannot go by others timelines we have convinced ourselves that they make us feel good - albeit for a short time. That said, what was your PGN timeline like? :)
Michele

Does anyone have any idea if delays are worsened when the birth mother is a minor? The birth mother of my son is only 13 yo, which leads me to believe that this may be working against us. Although, isn't this a perfect example of why adoption exists??? Anyway, we have been in PGN since 4/21/06, with absolutely no word on whether a Reviewer has even looked at our file.
~Carol

Hi, I have been reading many of your comments and am becoming familiar with the possible difficulties we may encounter with our adoption. Yikes!! One question though. When I have questions or a situation arises is it proper to phone someone in Guatamala such as our appointed attorney or must we channel all our correspondence and concerns to our caseworker here in the US? Thanks

I just got a KO after 12 weeks with no word, so not sure that 6 week PGN timeline holds up (although I wish it did!).

Karen

Evelin & Chad-

Congratulations on getting out of PGN!!! We also have been using Adoption Supervisors (who have kept me from going crazy and highly recommend them) and we also went back into PGN on May 15th and still have heard nothing.

Thank you so much for sharing your good news, it gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

PS- I'll be in GT visiting June 28-July 4 is any one else going to be there?

Robin

Hello to Evelin, Good luck with everthing!! We have been in PGN for 16 weeks now and are looking to hire an adotion supervisor, can they get us out of PGN? do you have any recomendations? does anyone? Please Help!!! Allison

Carol,
I have heard that it can be a little more involved if the birth Mother is a minor, because her parents have to also sign over the rights. Or something like that. But there is more to it!
Next wk will make 15 wks for us being in PGN. Very very very sad................. Everyday I get more and more depressed.

HI everybody,

I am a Guatemalan woman married with a Northamerican guy and we are adopting a baby girl from Guatemala (I am just wondering how many Guatemalans or from Central America, who live here in USA are adopting babies from Guatemala, let me know if you know somebody). We got our referral on February 1st. and our case went to PGN on May 23rd. We haven't heard anything and we are hoping that next week we will have good news. Robin, do you still remember me ,I am the one who used to work with the SSSF and we were emailing each other for some time. I hope you hear from your lawyer very soon. To be honest since our case went to PGN we haven't had any patience anymore, we just want to have our baby Marilú with us. We went to see her on Memorial weekend, she is now five months old. We really enjoyed our visit with her and that i guess made us very anxious to have her with us. Good luck to everybody. I just heard from a friend of mine who is also adopting a baby girl, that a friend of hers told her that for next Monday PGN will be releasing 70 cases, i don't know if this is true, but let's keep Esperanza (hope,like my name). Abrazos a cada una,
Esperanza
Esperanza

Jenny-
How did you get to see other children in Guatemala? Was your daughter in a hogar or foster care? We would love to be able to meet other children as well. thanks,
Suzanne
Snjolsen@cox.net

Carol.
We had our second case under investigaton because the birth mother was a minor (16 years old). We´ll we had to hire a supervisor in Guatemala to check our file. (Our agency didn´t heard any news from the attorney in months about our case). Anyway, the person we hired found our case in an office in the first level of PGN (can´t remember the name) and it was under investigation and they needed to interview the birth mother and her parents. We´ll after moths lost!!! this was all it had to be done to get the case release. We were approved just a couple of weeks ago.

Make sure your case went through this office. If they don´t go to the interviews or give them the documents they ask for your case can stay there for ever. That´s what happened to us. The worst part was that after we found out about this and confronted the agency with the information our attorney in Guate denied everything so we had to travel to Guatemala and face him We went to PGN and believe it was not pretty for this guy and the agency´s representative. We confirmed all infromation. To my surpise people at PGN were not as we imagined. They were kind and basically explained what our supervisor had told us days before.

Anyway, we´re coming home with our son next week and just to think he could be with us sooner makes me mad but I´m thankfull with God things were cleared and our son will be with us soon. For ever!!.

Good luck to you.
Our contact in Guate was Lourdes.
(wendibla@yahoo.com)

Any new updates from PGN?

I am wondering along with Patricia, any updates from PGN? I would like to see something "official"...does Susan Luarca have any updates about Barrios? Has he really started signing cases?

We have been told by our agency that we went in with our case, of two boys, June 1st. We haven't heard anything, which I was not expecting but wanted to know my options and be prepared for 60 days from now.
I wrote to the adoption supervisor. com to find out more of what they offer. They sent me back a descrption of some services along with stating that most cases are getting out in four to six weeks. They advised to ask to see the receipt fromt he PGN of when our case went in. I have asked the agency and we will see what they say.

Any updates on the cases that have been approved in PGN and are now at the Embassy? How much time is the average case at the Embassy before a "pink slip" is issued?

I am new to the site and very happy to be on it. I am a first time parent and first time adopter- I went into PGN May 9 and haven't heard anything yet. I am glad to hear about the resource -adoption supervisors-has anyone else used them? I went down to Guatemala in April and fell in love with my daughter-Olivia. I just hope to get out of PGN soon and go and bring her home. Is anyone else having blocks around setting up a nursery? Also many friends have offered to have baby showers for me....but I have decided to wait- since it is so uncertian when she will come back.
Good luck everyone~ Good blessings to all.
Maya

Wendi B:

Thanks so much for your response. After being in PGN for 5 weeks, the birth mother and the maternal grandmother were interviewed by a Social Worker. Since then (June 2), we have heard absolutely nothing about the status of the case. According to our attorney everything went "fine" during the interview, and both the birth mother and grandparent signed off. So now we don't know what to make of this delay given what information you provided about your experience. Any suggestions?

Congratulations on finally getting out of PGN. I'm sure your excitement is beyond words. I'm very happy for you!!

~Carol

Hi, I just wanted to add what I was told by Adoption Supervisors in an email today. They said that normal wait time now was approx. 4 weeks after a previo has been corrected and resubmitted not from the time you enter PGN. They also said while this is the expected time it was all dependent on the Director. They were very straightforward and felt that my case was within the normal time frames and that I should consider them if I receive a 2nd previou but for now to wait a bit longer.
Michele

Hi Maya,
This is just my opinion, so take the advice only if you wish.

I would go ahead and do the nursery, but I wouldn't put anything for a small infant in it until after you know when she is coming home. She will need a crib, and a dresser and rocking chairs are great--we use ours several times a day. You can decorate, and I highly recommend getting a bunch of those clear bins with lids to organize toys and books as you go. An example of something you would want to hold off on would be bumper pads for the crib. My mom hand made some beautiful ones to match a crib quilt and pillow. Anarosa was home about two weeks and began rolling over in her crib. The pediatrician said, "Now that she is rolling over it is the time to remove all blankets, pillows, and crib bumper pads until she is a lot older to prevent accidental suffrocation". She had only used them two weeks!

I would also allow the showers, but tell your relatives/friends that since you do not know when she will come home, they should buy big sizes.

I brought my Anarosa home at 6 1/2 months old. I had two showers before I brought her home. People were great about buying larger sizes. There were only one or two things that were too small for her towear when she came home or in the months after. She is now two and a half, and is wearing some of the last stuff from the showers! Can you believe it --two years later! It was so nice to have these new pretty outfits all along the way these past two years, I have had to buy very little! Now, I will have to begin shopping!

Now is the time to do all of the organizing, as you will not have the time once your dear one is home. When he/she is sleeping or napping, you will be running around cleaning, laundry, taking a shower, whatever that you will no longer be able to do while she/he is awake! Wash all of the clothes in Dreft or something similar and put them in the dresser, etc. I put them away by outfits folded together (a top, a bottom, a pair of socks and a onsie)sort of in little packs. Then when it was time to get dressed I just grabbed a pack and was ready to go!

Anyway, it helped me through the waiting by concentrating on preparing for her.

You could also organize all of your adoption paperwork into a binder in sequential order, and begin a diary of your thoughts, special things people said, etc. throughout the process. I really, really wish I had done this! I am now trynig to begin a lifebook for my little one and it is difficult to go back and sequence these things and recall the memories, because you will be busy building new memories!

Hope this helps! Take care all of you who are waiting! You are in my thoughts each day.
Lizzie
Mama to the two year old Anarosa, beautiful inside and out, home with mama forever since May 26, 2004

A rep from our agency stated yesterday that "the agency has had a couple outs since last week, and they expect one this week". She said she had heard there were 900+ cases in PGN!!!
She also said that because of the World Cup, everthing has basically shut down. Everyone one is using the Cup as the excuse to get out of work and nothing is getting processed.

We are going into week 4 of PGN for our daughter, and hope to enter next week with our son's case. Everyone's in our prayers. God Bless

Jenny

For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.
1-Samuel 1:27

Can someone please help me? We have been in PGN for almost 4 months, we think we are ready to go on to Guatemala and hire a AS.Does anyone have any recomendations? If you have a referal{name},I would be glad to hear from you through E-mail.
Thanks,
Alley

Hi Michele,
We went to PGN 3/2, Resubmitted 5/11 still waiting. No updates yet. I am going crazy waiting too. I can understand about your co-workers. Everyday people ask me when we are leaving for Guatemala. It's difficult to keep saying the same thing to them day after day. They just don't get it. My friends also mean well by asking but can't understand why the process is taking so long.

I had previously tried to adopt from Romania.
I worked for 2yrs+ trying to get 2 toddlers released. The US Embassy in Romania finally called me and said "give up". It was hard because I had pictures etc of the children.
Now I have been trying to adopt from Guatemala and this PGN thing is happening.

I am not getting much sleep either. The child we are trying to adopt will be 1 year in Sept. I was told originally travel would be early summer. Now I'm not sure when it will happen. I really wanted our child home before birthday.

Michele, please don't feel bad. I am as drained as you are and more tired then anyone could ever imagine. This is a big a deal. I have a bedroom prepared and toys and baby things everywhere. It is very difficult to wait and to keep thinking about a child who is so close but so far. I am trying to keep a positive outlook but some days it's very hard. I keep telling myself 1 year of waiting will be nothing once the adoption is completed. We will have a lifetime to catch up, and my love keeps growing for this child everyday that we are apart. My child may not be close enough to hug, but is very lucky because the love I am going to be able to finally give this child once here will be unbelievable.

I know things will work out for us both and that our futures will be well worth waiting for.

Pam