Fascinating on Weller. You supposed Nicaragua is a hot retirement spot? Thanks for the information and for the tongue in cheek humor.

Good news on Weller! I read the article from your link - what a crock about the separation taking its toll!

As for Brad & Angelina.... yeah... well.... I'm not a fan of them as a couple. If they are going to get involved in adoption from Guatemala, maybe she can influence UNICEF to disappear.

I wonder if he'll retire to Guatemala now...

I would love to see if her process through a Guatemalan adoption takes as long as everyone else's.

They (investigatory reporters, etc.) must have REALLY uncovered something VERY unsavory above and beyond the initial Nicaragua land deals. It'll be interesting to see how the final chapter is written--the tale of dirty deals. Thankfully he will not be in a position of influence for much longer.

Actually, I believe I am correct when I say that Angelina Jolie has already used Wide Horizons for Children for one of her previous adoptions, so it would not be surprising if she used WHFC for Guatemala...just a thought.

I'm with Linda. I'm predicting their wait in PGN will be less than one week with no kick outs. Then we'll know for sure that PGN is corrupt! I'm also predicting she'll get pink the day after she gets out of PGN. In fact we'll all get to see her bring her new Guatemalan baby home at 2-3 days old! Oh the joy!!!!
YUCK!

I would love to see if Angelina and Brad have to do wait 60 days for PA, go into PGN what seems like forever, then have to wait a second DNA and then for pink?? Hummmm. Love to see that story unfold!!

I think it's great that Angelina and Brad are considering Guatemala. I admire their family and would probably do the same thing if I could afford it! I think their interest in Guatemala adoptions could do nothing but help the current situation.

I don't normally take an interest in celebrity lives but have noted the press wasn't fair on Angelina's previous adoption either. From my understanding it took her about 9 months when she did it (not knowing the average for that country but it wasn't in a day like the press insinuates). So I leave it open that the press may have reported in a non-factual and sensationalist manner with her as they have done with us. I just can't beat up on adoptive parents regardless of whether we would be the best of friends in our personal lives. If they appear to truly love their children which it appears to me they do then I support them 100%. On a positive note at least someone involved with the UN seems to be pro-adoption. Wish there were more.

Since land in Nicaragua was purchased with our dime can we all make plans to vacation there? Anyone find it amusing in a dark way that Guatemala is one of the most corrupt countries in the world and ironically here our precious representatives are involved in land deals? Pot meet kettle.

I think that Angelina could do good things in Guatemala adoptions and the process. An interview with Larry King may even educate those that think this is all about buying babies.

Timelines - If they decide to adopt, we won't be privy to their case details. They may be in process right now, but the world won't know it until they jet off to pick up their newest family member. Then the press will try to convince us how quick and easy it is when in reality, they went thru the same process as all of us.

It would be nice if Angelina and Brad would start an organization to give grants to those of us who want to adopt and don't have millions of dollars at our disposal. They seem to me to be genuine in their concern and love for orphans. This would be a great way for them to help provide loving homes for orphans since they can't adopt them all.
Also, I think it is ironic that it seems to be common knowledge that the Guatemalan government is very corrupt but so called adoption reformers want adoptions to be under the control of the very same corrupt government. How is that going to help with transparency?

I agree with the comments that Angelina's case will probably move quickly through PGN. Money/publicity talks not only with the Guat gov't but with the majority of the agencies in the US.

The outcome of Angelina and Brad's impending adoption (if this in fact true) will be interesting. My guess is that Guatemala may well be passed over by the actress because it is one of the countries that would be more difficult for her to adopt from quickly and I doubt that she has the patience. By the way, her first adoption from Cambodia was caught up in the infamous child sales situation in that country. It was never proven that Angelina's particular adoption was dirty, but the facilitator (Lauryn Galindo) was sent to jail for a variety of offenses associated with child trafficking (conspiracy, visa fraud, etc.). Angelina did meet Ms. Galindo at the time of the adoption and she NOW knows about the dirty deals that happened in Cambodia. The press did cover the story including a her response to the situation--of course, she was duped by Galindo just like everyone else. As a person, Angelina seems unpredictible so we'll have to wait and watch.

Karenms1,

I find it very revealing that your post about Angelina Jolie is based soley on conjecture. I am assuming you do not know her personally so you do not know whether she is impatient or whether she is unpredictable. Why even post? If only to "educate" us and then take the opportunity to cast a shadow of doubt on her Cambodian adoption? I just see it as more innuendo. As an adoptive parent I cringe at the thought of judging or second guessing ANYONE and their adoption because I have become so aware of the potential for people to judge me. Can you find something positive to post about?

Thank you Jennifer! I AGREE!

As I stated before I read Guatadopt daily. Lately I have found myself reading it less and less though. I appreciate all the post Kevin and his staff have. So far it has not been biased and they seem to be here for the right reasons. Others posting lately have biased negative input. There input is just a waste of time to me.

From a adoptive parents point of view Brad and Angelina wouldn't adopt if they didn't have the love for children. Look at it in the positive light...another child without a family that now has a loving family.

Well, good riddance to senor Weller.

Regarding Angelina Jolie, she has said in print and interview that she always follows a process and does not receive any special treatment (particularly after the Madonna/David Banda adoption where there was not even a process to follow). Since her adoptions are only publicized at the end, it seems that she received preferential treatment and were completed within a short period of time. I am sure at one time that Angelina was unstable and probably bizarre, but I believe that her children changed her. I really dont care one way or the other about celebs, but I admire Angelina. She is one of the few who put her money where her mouth is (1/3 for spending, 1/3 for saving and 1/3 for donating). Furthermore, she has spent her free time travelling the world as a Goodwill Ambassador trying to bring attention to the refugee crisis. Her and Brad both believe that if the media are going to photograph them, then its going to be done on their terms (ie in New Orleans, Africa, Afghanistan etc.) Dislike her as an actress, but I believe that she is a great humanitarian and that she could do a lot to bring much needed good pub to Guat adoptions.

Jennifer:
I do not know Angelina Jolie, but I do know the Cambodia case pretty well and everything that I stated above is fact in regards to that matter. As for Angelina Jolie being predictible or not--that was opinion. Just my observation of her as a consumer of hollywood information. By the way, I happen to be a big fan. As such, when I realized that her adoption from Cambodia had been touched by a known child trafficker, I was alarmed. As it works out, Angelina Jolie was also alarmed (as the press reported it)--feel free to do the research. Unfortunately, she experienced adoption fraud. If speaking to adoption fraud and the history of problems in other countries is seen as unacceptable then so be it.

What is the perception of Weller and more importantly, his wife (daughter of the former dictator of Guatemala who slaughtered many citizens during his genocide campaign) by Guatemalan officials, PGN, and others with power in the country?