{Posted on behalf of Susana Luarca, ADA}
ADA had a meeting yesterday to discuss the legal actions that we can take if the Protocol of Good Practices comes into effect. We all agreed that we will not remain powerless, while the PGN suspends adoptions and Bienestar Social (Social Welfare) decides who can adopt and who can be adopted. Different legal actions were discussed and an strategy was developed. We are more determined than ever, to shield the children from the evil agenda of UNICEF, who is using the Guatemalan officers to achieve its ends.
This morning, a little before the presentation of the Protocol was going to start, a sign was posted at the door of the National Palace of Culture, informing that the ceremony had been postponed. Later, we learned that even today, they were planning to go ahead with the presentation. The caterers and the florists were there. Nice folders to hold the written material were made for the occasion. Everything, including the folders, were being given away, which could mean that they will not need them again, because they have given up their plans to illegally legislate about adoptions.
Us, at ADA are fully convinced that the adoptive parents and the adoption agencies are entitled to know whatever happens in Guatemala that could affect adoptions. For doing so, we have been falsely accused of making up rumors, in order to extort money from the families. We do not charge for our work of keeping adoptions open. We do it because we are convinced that it is the best for those children, and nobody else will stop them. If there is a family who has been asked to pitch in to help our work, we apologize for that and unauthorize those requests. More than money, what we need is your trust and your confidence that we will not let down , nor the children, nor the families.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Susana Luarca, ADA.
I thought the Protocol was cancelled not postponed.
Posted by: Jacky at February 17, 2007 09:59 PMDear Susana,
Even though I don't have an adoption in the system now, I want to thank you and all the other lawyers, etc. that work so hard for our benefit.
Lisa T
Posted by: Lisa T at February 17, 2007 10:15 PMDoes anyone know if Susan Luarca is implying that maybe they have given up on this and may not bring the protocol up again? That is the way I took it, I hope I am right. That would be great news!!!
Posted by: cc at February 17, 2007 10:42 PMDoes anyone know if she is implying that they are giving up and maybe this protocol wont be brought up again? That would be GREAT!!
Posted by: cc at February 17, 2007 10:45 PMSusana
you all have my trust and respect and admiration. The children of Guatemala are not going to be best served by a Protocolo that cannot 'work' in reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all the work you and ADA do.
MK
Posted by: MK at February 18, 2007 04:43 AMThank you Ms. Luarca for informing us of the happenings in Guatemala. I find the current notice at the DOS site offensive. I had placed calls to the DOS and they could not provide any information regarding the content of the Executive Order. Obviously, something went awry and I'd like to believe that our questions to the DOS regarding potential suspension may have averted the planned announcement. I find it easier to place my trust in your information than a government that plans and then cancels very formal announcements at the drop of a hat. I cannot imagine what would happen in the U.S. if some ominous, but much publicized announcement was planned by our vice president was suddenly postponed for no apparent reason. I hope that any plans for suspending in-process adoptions have been thwarted and we will continue to pray.
Posted by: papiymami at February 18, 2007 09:55 AMDear Susana,
Thank you so much for keeping us informed, but mostly for all the hard work you do each and every day for the children of Guatemala. As always, you and the ADA have my trust. I know that you will always work for the best interests of the children, the birthmothers, and the adoptive families. Take care,
Sincerely,
Lizzie
Proud Mama of Anarosa since May, 2004
Waiting for Migdalia
Guatemala will have to do something to be Hague compliant. Whether it's this Protocol or something else, something will change. Let's just hope it's not very disruptive to all of us. Erik
Posted by: Erik at February 18, 2007 03:07 PMSusana,
Mil Gracias! Thank you for your tireless efforts to keep us informed and for advocating for the children!
Que Dios Le bendice!
Gloria
mom to 5 Guatemalan blessings
I also read the DOS posting and found it interesting. I certainly was not contacted by anyone (agency or attorney) to submit more money because of this scare. I appreciate all of the efforts of ADA and am thankful for all that you do.
Kris
Hello. I was hoping Susanor Kevin would comment further on this. Just trying to figure out what is going on. We will keep praying for all the children in Guatemala, that adoption will stay an option for them. And we will get to bring our baby girl home soon!!!!CC
Hello. I am a nervous wreck with all the uncertainty in Guatemala. Could Susan or Kevin comment on this to shine light on what may be coming? Praying all goes well!!! CC
Posted by: cc at February 19, 2007 08:42 PMI'm not sure if I understand everything that is happening in Guatemala--but we are very concerned, as we've had a referral since 11/4/06 for a beautiful little girl. Are adoptions at a standstill right now in Guatemala? What is going to happen to the children?
Posted by: vicki at February 19, 2007 10:04 PMThe silence on this site makes me nervous!! I pray that no news is good news but i am not so sure. Please post something following up on this info. CC
Posted by: cc at February 20, 2007 02:46 PMAs usual Susana, you are the voice of reason and clarity in our crazy world. We are continuing our work for the children and pray that things will improve and get better for the children through your efforts. We will do whatever you ask in this process. Just let us know what to do and we will assist you in whatever way we can. Pray for the children everyone.....
Posted by: Sandi at February 20, 2007 10:52 PMJust FYi for everyone, Susanna and bunch of others in Ada (maybe even Kevin?) .
are attending a conference in Guatemala this week regarding adoptions. I believe there some info on the Guatadopt website. I know the director of our agency will be there. This conference was scheduled a long time ago, before the upsets of last week. So I am sure after this conference is over, we will be hearing some type of info,
s
Posted by: Shawn c at February 21, 2007 12:01 PMAny news from the FOA Solutions Conference in Guatemala on the status of the much dreaded Protocol of Good Practices?
Posted by: jlb at February 21, 2007 04:31 PMI'm not there and I'm afraid I have no idea what is happening.
Kevin
Guatadopt.com
I believe it is today and tomorrow and I think it was a Hague accreditation conference. I don't think that too much info will come out. Erik
Posted by: Erik at February 21, 2007 06:41 PMSusana;
Can you tell us more about what the news last night stated about the Protocal? From what I heard they were speaking as though it was "approved" expect for a couple of the laws and those had to be "ratified" before they would post it in the papers. Is this true? And about how much time would this give should I decide to move forward with a new referral.
A concerned adoptive father
Posted by: Leon at February 22, 2007 07:39 AMI thought the protocol had been canceled????? What is going on now? All this turmoil is too much to bear.CC
Posted by: CC at February 22, 2007 12:58 PM