GUATADOPT.COM
News about Guatemalan Adoptions: for parents, professionals and adoption advocates.
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." ~Anonymous
I have been asked many times about sponsorship programs, charities and project fundraising. Generally speaking, I find that adoptive parents are likely to become attached to their child's birth country and want to give something back. I often wonder if it is more pronounced for those adopting from Guatemala....is it the proximity? the beauty? the circumstances of our own birth families? the resemblence to our own children? or the respect for our children that bring us back?
Whatever the case, Guatadopt.com will try to spotlight some organizations that I think are amazing.
Like many others, I started researching sponsorship programs in Guatemala. A friend and adoptive mother, Karen, told me about this organization and I wonder if mere words can describe what these people accomplish each and every day! Casa Aleluya is a Christian based organization, but it is not affiliated with any particular denomination. Since this is an adoption information site, I should make it clear that this home does not do adoptions. They are not against adoptions, but it is not their focus. In any case, many of the children would not be eligible for adoption and others would have to fight the abandonment process to become eligible.
During my last visit to Guatemala, I arranged a visit to the home the last day of my stay. In the spirit of Central America, I also had a bit of a time arranging transportation when I needed it. However, I finally made it to the home and into the facility. They have too much to do to handle drop-ins, so I arranged a visit well in advance. Even then, being tardy was inconvenient to the home. Moreover, I was exhausted from the prior weeks activities and the FOA Conference (which we will talk about soon). Even so, Dottie was so kind to give me a tour and arrange some time with my sponsored children.
What I found, was an amazing organization who was managing to provide a home to over 420 children of all ages. As you come in the home, you see a number of dorms, the kitchen/dining building, the educational buildings and right in the midst is Mike and Dottie's home (the founders). The children call Dottie and Mike, Mommy and Pappy. I was so amused at the children who lost a tooth running to Dottie to collect a coin. I was also warmed by their home where children came in and out for the special priviledge of watching Toy Story. I doubt I could do Casa Aleluya justice in a short description. But it is easy enough to get an idea of what is going on there by subscribing to the site and signing up for Mike's Daily journal. I hope some of you who are researching sponsor programs will take a look at this Home.
I learned quickly that sponsoring a child is much more rewarding than simply helping with a few expenses. My whole family has become involved and have adopted these children into their hearts.
I visited my two sponsored children (age 16 and 6). My oldest is Ludy who is a beautiful, sweet, shy teenager who would like to be a secretary. After meeting her, I am determined to do what I can to see that her dreams become a reality. I brought what I figured would be the most appropriate teenage girl items....CLOTHES!!!! Yet it was apparent that she was not used to this kind of attention and gifts (at least from an outsider). I was also impressed to have a fellow dorm roomie translate for me!!!! I am sure that as time goes by, I will get to know her better and vice versa.
The biggest surprise was my youngest, Maria 2 who was found abandoned near Antigua. She would not talk and the staff suspected that it was because she was traumatized and possibly, only knew one of the Mayan languages. But recently (I'm sure after she warmed up to the staff), they realized that she had a significant hearing loss.This darling child has not spoken because she doesn't hear well. She apparently came to the home with restricted language skills. You have to remember that some of these people lack such basic education that even things we consider workable are missing from their day to day lives. While I do not think it is fair to speculate WHY this child was separated from her biological family...this handicap *could* have been the reason.
I was so shocked to have this little girl come to me and sit in my lap. She was beautiful and is apparently, very sharp. Even so, her life has left some faint scars. Her face has many tiny scratch scars from either bushes or from unattended nails (prior to her coming to the home). Those of you with dark skinned children understand that they seem to show even the slightest mark for months from minor scratches and boo-boos. Maria is learning Spanish (which is spoken loudly so she can hear) and she has made some friends who *assisted* her arrival by dragging her to the living room of the dorm house.
She was thrilled with the clothes and the toys. But the highlight for her seemed to be bringing each item for the house mother to put her name on (with a permanent marker). These small things we take for granted...and here is a child who is thrilled to have a few items she can call her own. As we went out to the courtyard, many of the other children came running (2-6yrs) to hold my hand. But this little girl ran up to me giving me a bear hug and informing the
other children that I was HERS!!! I was floored...
Unfortunately, there are still many children in the home who do NOT have sponsors. I hope that many readers who are looking for a child to sponsor will consider Casa Aleluya. Get your church involved, get your family involved!
About a year ago, some moms from FTGA (Friends Through Guatemalan Adoption in Cincinnati) were talking and joked that they should all go to Guatemala for a week--and it became Moms On A Mission! Now, the trip is six months away and the moms are working hard to accomplish as much as possible!
So, Aimee Davis and Sonya Zumbiel, two moms in the group, went down in November to network, see where the group would stay, and understand the work that would be done on a mission trip. They went down with so much to give--literally and figuratively--and came back with so much more: a passion for the people of Guatemala, an understanding of daily life, an appreciation for enjoying the simple things in life, a sense of needing to slow down in life, and a true love for their children's birth country.
Last week the group offically had seventeen people register to go on a week long mission in June back to Guatemala which fills the trip. There is a lot of talent and heart to the group--an internist, Dr. Staat from the Int. Adoption Clinic in Cincy, three teen boys, three OT's, and a bunch of great moms! It should be quite a trip.
They are working with Gregory of Hands of Hope and Rod of Orphan Resources to implement the trip. The group will spend time at the medical clinic and at hogars with little affiliation to adoption where the need for support is highest!
Everyone going has agreed that all checked luggage will be filled with donations which are being collected by FTGA families, friends, and area adoption groups. That is over 2,300 pounds of donations!
Yet, so much more is needed that won't fit in a suitcase. And they are a group that dreams big! Some of have asked how to get involved in this mission. Well, the Guatemala adoption community is filled with people forever connected with the country of Guatemala. One of the missions we all hold dear to our heart is a connection back to our child's birth country.
FTGA invites anyone who wants to get involved to help accomplish so much more, come on board. What they really want to do is be able to provide the means to purchase the things that cannot be carried down that are so needed. If you personally want to support this effort, or if you belong to a group--adoption or otherwise--who wants to get involved, contact Sonya, donations coordinator of FTGA, at szumbiel@cinci.rr.com.
Here are some challenges that groups could conquer:
How many diapers could we purchase at $150 per 1,000 diapers? Could we raise the funds to purchase 10,000 diapers?
Wouldn't a washer/dryer set (industrial size) be an amazing gift for an hogar who is now washing all things by hand? Can we raise $1,100 to do just that?
How many pounds of rice can our group raise the funds to purchase at $220 per 100 pounds?
Or beans at $130 per 100 pounds?
If groups went together, the accomplishments could be amazing! All donations can be tax deductible. FTGA has until May 1 to see what can be accomplished. Imagine adoptive parents all over the US and even further working on this mission!
Group founder's words and a great thought: We are not traveling as the heroes. We are going as humble friends to serve the Guatemalan people.
Here is one adoption story sure touch anyone's heart. As someone who experienced the pain of a child passing away before coming home, I empathize with and admire Scott and Holly of Wisconsin...
My husband and I have been in the process of adopting from Guatemala since
April 2004. We were quickly referred a baby boy born August 17th and were
ecstatic to say the least. We received pictures shortly thereafter. His name was
Juan Carlos, but we called him "Brady." Brady was said to be a very healthy
baby at birth, but at two months of age started having digestive problems. He
was hospitalized a total of three times with severe diarrhea and failure to
thrive. He was diagnosed with allergic enteritis and weighed only 7 pounds at
four months in December. He was released from the hospital for the third time
the week before Christmas. We celebrated the holidays as usual, keeping Brady
in our constant thoughts and prayers, but on the morning of December 29th, my
brother-in-law (who is from Mexico and speaks fluent Spanish) came over to
call Brady's doctor and get an update on his weight. It was during that phone
call that we received the most heart-breaking news of our lives, Brady had died
earlier that morning. He passed away in his sleep and was found by his
foster father at 5:00 am. Our whole world came crashing down! We still had
presents for him under the tree, toys in his stocking, and his nursery was decorated
adorably with Care Bears. We had never seen or held him, but were very much
in love with him! He is our son and will remain in our hearts forever.
Now, the reason I'm writing...
We have a 5-year-old nephew named Noah who is VERY grown up for his age.
About twelve days after Brady died, Noah was at our house and playing with a Care
Bear phone we received as a gift for Brady. He saw Brady's picture and said,
"Brady died, didn't he?" I replied, "Yes, honey. He did." He then went on
to tell me how he missed Brady and how he talks to him at night when he says
his prayers. He said, "I talk to God before I go to sleep and since Brady's
with God now, I can talk to him, too." As he played with the toy phone, he told
me, "Holly, I'm going to ask Share Bear to tell Cheer Bear to take the
cloudmobile up to heaven and ask God to send you a new healthy baby." My heart
sank! Right then, I realized how truly blessed we are to have Noah in our lives
along with our other nieces, nephews, and loved ones. God spoke through him
that day and provided me with a sense of peace and comfort that I hadn't felt in
a while. I felt Brady's presence there with us and smiled for maybe the
first time in over a week. And wouldn't you know, the VERY next day we received a
phone call that a baby girl had been born on January 9th and was available
for adoption. We accepted the referral and with tears in our eyes we called
Noah right away to tell him God answered his prayers. He was so excited! We
believe Brady had a part in bringing our baby girl to us and will watch over her
while we are so many miles away. She was born Yanira Matilde, and we will
call her "Annaliese." She will not take the place of our beloved son, but will
be told about her brother and how she came into our lives.
Your humble Guatadopt writer has been extremely busy with "other" things and quite frankly hasn't had time to keep the site new and interesting. In the next week I am sure we will have some reports on what is coming out of the Focus on Adoption conference in Guatemala. But in the meantime, I'd like to open up the e-waves. Please send me your adoption story, opinion column, etc and let's get some new material on the site.
The rules: don't send me anything that could get Guatadopt sued! No personal attacks on anyone. I reserve the right to edit
How to sumbit: just write what you'd like and send it in an e-mail, not an attachment, to kevin@guatadopt.com.
JCICS has also posted a list of reputable relief organizations. In the coming weeks, we will attempt to post other organizations who are actively setting up long term projects in Tsunami affected regions.
Posted by Kelly, webmaster and founder at 11:11 PM|Permalink
Guatemala Adoption Information and News
GUATADOPT.COM News about Guatemalan Adoptions: for parents, professionals and adoption advocates. "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." ~Anonymous
« December 2004 | Main | February 2005 »
January 31, 2005
Spotlight on Casa Aleluya
I have been asked many times about sponsorship programs, charities and project fundraising. Generally speaking, I find that adoptive parents are likely to become attached to their child's birth country and want to give something back. I often wonder if it is more pronounced for those adopting from Guatemala....is it the proximity? the beauty? the circumstances of our own birth families? the resemblence to our own children? or the respect for our children that bring us back?
Whatever the case, Guatadopt.com will try to spotlight some organizations that I think are amazing.
So, lets start with an amazing Children's Home called Casa Para Niņos Aleluya.
Like many others, I started researching sponsorship programs in Guatemala. A friend and adoptive mother, Karen, told me about this organization and I wonder if mere words can describe what these people accomplish each and every day! Casa Aleluya is a Christian based organization, but it is not affiliated with any particular denomination. Since this is an adoption information site, I should make it clear that this home does not do adoptions. They are not against adoptions, but it is not their focus. In any case, many of the children would not be eligible for adoption and others would have to fight the abandonment process to become eligible.
During my last visit to Guatemala, I arranged a visit to the home the last day of my stay. In the spirit of Central America, I also had a bit of a time arranging transportation when I needed it. However, I finally made it to the home and into the facility. They have too much to do to handle drop-ins, so I arranged a visit well in advance. Even then, being tardy was inconvenient to the home. Moreover, I was exhausted from the prior weeks activities and the FOA Conference (which we will talk about soon). Even so, Dottie was so kind to give me a tour and arrange some time with my sponsored children.
What I found, was an amazing organization who was managing to provide a home to over 420 children of all ages. As you come in the home, you see a number of dorms, the kitchen/dining building, the educational buildings and right in the midst is Mike and Dottie's home (the founders). The children call Dottie and Mike, Mommy and Pappy. I was so amused at the children who lost a tooth running to Dottie to collect a coin. I was also warmed by their home where children came in and out for the special priviledge of watching Toy Story. I doubt I could do Casa Aleluya justice in a short description. But it is easy enough to get an idea of what is going on there by subscribing to the site and signing up for Mike's Daily journal. I hope some of you who are researching sponsor programs will take a look at this Home.
I learned quickly that sponsoring a child is much more rewarding than simply helping with a few expenses. My whole family has become involved and have adopted these children into their hearts.
I visited my two sponsored children (age 16 and 6). My oldest is Ludy who is a beautiful, sweet, shy teenager who would like to be a secretary. After meeting her, I am determined to do what I can to see that her dreams become a reality. I brought what I figured would be the most appropriate teenage girl items....CLOTHES!!!! Yet it was apparent that she was not used to this kind of attention and gifts (at least from an outsider). I was also impressed to have a fellow dorm roomie translate for me!!!! I am sure that as time goes by, I will get to know her better and vice versa.
The biggest surprise was my youngest, Maria 2 who was found abandoned near Antigua. She would not talk and the staff suspected that it was because she was traumatized and possibly, only knew one of the Mayan languages. But recently (I'm sure after she warmed up to the staff), they realized that she had a significant hearing loss.This darling child has not spoken because she doesn't hear well. She apparently came to the home with restricted language skills. You have to remember that some of these people lack such basic education that even things we consider workable are missing from their day to day lives. While I do not think it is fair to speculate WHY this child was separated from her biological family...this handicap *could* have been the reason.
I was so shocked to have this little girl come to me and sit in my lap. She was beautiful and is apparently, very sharp. Even so, her life has left some faint scars. Her face has many tiny scratch scars from either bushes or from unattended nails (prior to her coming to the home). Those of you with dark skinned children understand that they seem to show even the slightest mark for months from minor scratches and boo-boos. Maria is learning Spanish (which is spoken loudly so she can hear) and she has made some friends who *assisted* her arrival by dragging her to the living room of the dorm house.
She was thrilled with the clothes and the toys. But the highlight for her seemed to be bringing each item for the house mother to put her name on (with a permanent marker). These small things we take for granted...and here is a child who is thrilled to have a few items she can call her own. As we went out to the courtyard, many of the other children came running (2-6yrs) to hold my hand. But this little girl ran up to me giving me a bear hug and informing the
other children that I was HERS!!! I was floored...
Unfortunately, there are still many children in the home who do NOT have sponsors. I hope that many readers who are looking for a child to sponsor will consider Casa Aleluya. Get your church involved, get your family involved!
Posted by Kelly, webmaster and founder at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
January 30, 2005
Dreams Turn To Reality For Moms On A Mission!
About a year ago, some moms from FTGA (Friends Through Guatemalan Adoption in Cincinnati) were talking and joked that they should all go to Guatemala for a week--and it became Moms On A Mission! Now, the trip is six months away and the moms are working hard to accomplish as much as possible!
So, Aimee Davis and Sonya Zumbiel, two moms in the group, went down in November to network, see where the group would stay, and understand the work that would be done on a mission trip. They went down with so much to give--literally and figuratively--and came back with so much more: a passion for the people of Guatemala, an understanding of daily life, an appreciation for enjoying the simple things in life, a sense of needing to slow down in life, and a true love for their children's birth country.
Last week the group offically had seventeen people register to go on a week long mission in June back to Guatemala which fills the trip. There is a lot of talent and heart to the group--an internist, Dr. Staat from the Int. Adoption Clinic in Cincy, three teen boys, three OT's, and a bunch of great moms! It should be quite a trip.
They are working with Gregory of Hands of Hope and Rod of Orphan Resources to implement the trip. The group will spend time at the medical clinic and at hogars with little affiliation to adoption where the need for support is highest!
Everyone going has agreed that all checked luggage will be filled with donations which are being collected by FTGA families, friends, and area adoption groups. That is over 2,300 pounds of donations!
Yet, so much more is needed that won't fit in a suitcase. And they are a group that dreams big! Some of have asked how to get involved in this mission. Well, the Guatemala adoption community is filled with people forever connected with the country of Guatemala. One of the missions we all hold dear to our heart is a connection back to our child's birth country.
FTGA invites anyone who wants to get involved to help accomplish so much more, come on board. What they really want to do is be able to provide the means to purchase the things that cannot be carried down that are so needed. If you personally want to support this effort, or if you belong to a group--adoption or otherwise--who wants to get involved, contact Sonya, donations coordinator of FTGA, at szumbiel@cinci.rr.com.
Here are some challenges that groups could conquer:
How many diapers could we purchase at $150 per 1,000 diapers? Could we raise the funds to purchase 10,000 diapers?
Wouldn't a washer/dryer set (industrial size) be an amazing gift for an hogar who is now washing all things by hand? Can we raise $1,100 to do just that?
How many pounds of rice can our group raise the funds to purchase at $220 per 100 pounds?
Or beans at $130 per 100 pounds?
If groups went together, the accomplishments could be amazing! All donations can be tax deductible. FTGA has until May 1 to see what can be accomplished. Imagine adoptive parents all over the US and even further working on this mission!
Group founder's words and a great thought: We are not traveling as the heroes. We are going as humble friends to serve the Guatemalan people.
Posted by Kevin at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
January 24, 2005
Tragedy to hope
Here is one adoption story sure touch anyone's heart. As someone who experienced the pain of a child passing away before coming home, I empathize with and admire Scott and Holly of Wisconsin...
My husband and I have been in the process of adopting from Guatemala since
April 2004. We were quickly referred a baby boy born August 17th and were
ecstatic to say the least. We received pictures shortly thereafter. His name was
Juan Carlos, but we called him "Brady." Brady was said to be a very healthy
baby at birth, but at two months of age started having digestive problems. He
was hospitalized a total of three times with severe diarrhea and failure to
thrive. He was diagnosed with allergic enteritis and weighed only 7 pounds at
four months in December. He was released from the hospital for the third time
the week before Christmas. We celebrated the holidays as usual, keeping Brady
in our constant thoughts and prayers, but on the morning of December 29th, my
brother-in-law (who is from Mexico and speaks fluent Spanish) came over to
call Brady's doctor and get an update on his weight. It was during that phone
call that we received the most heart-breaking news of our lives, Brady had died
earlier that morning. He passed away in his sleep and was found by his
foster father at 5:00 am. Our whole world came crashing down! We still had
presents for him under the tree, toys in his stocking, and his nursery was decorated
adorably with Care Bears. We had never seen or held him, but were very much
in love with him! He is our son and will remain in our hearts forever.
Now, the reason I'm writing...
We have a 5-year-old nephew named Noah who is VERY grown up for his age.
About twelve days after Brady died, Noah was at our house and playing with a Care
Bear phone we received as a gift for Brady. He saw Brady's picture and said,
"Brady died, didn't he?" I replied, "Yes, honey. He did." He then went on
to tell me how he missed Brady and how he talks to him at night when he says
his prayers. He said, "I talk to God before I go to sleep and since Brady's
with God now, I can talk to him, too." As he played with the toy phone, he told
me, "Holly, I'm going to ask Share Bear to tell Cheer Bear to take the
cloudmobile up to heaven and ask God to send you a new healthy baby." My heart
sank! Right then, I realized how truly blessed we are to have Noah in our lives
along with our other nieces, nephews, and loved ones. God spoke through him
that day and provided me with a sense of peace and comfort that I hadn't felt in
a while. I felt Brady's presence there with us and smiled for maybe the
first time in over a week. And wouldn't you know, the VERY next day we received a
phone call that a baby girl had been born on January 9th and was available
for adoption. We accepted the referral and with tears in our eyes we called
Noah right away to tell him God answered his prayers. He was so excited! We
believe Brady had a part in bringing our baby girl to us and will watch over her
while we are so many miles away. She was born Yanira Matilde, and we will
call her "Annaliese." She will not take the place of our beloved son, but will
be told about her brother and how she came into our lives.
Posted by Kevin at 09:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 19, 2005
Send us your story or thoughts
Your humble Guatadopt writer has been extremely busy with "other" things and quite frankly hasn't had time to keep the site new and interesting. In the next week I am sure we will have some reports on what is coming out of the Focus on Adoption conference in Guatemala. But in the meantime, I'd like to open up the e-waves. Please send me your adoption story, opinion column, etc and let's get some new material on the site.
The rules: don't send me anything that could get Guatadopt sued! No personal attacks on anyone. I reserve the right to edit
How to sumbit: just write what you'd like and send it in an e-mail, not an attachment, to kevin@guatadopt.com.
Thanks!
Posted by Kevin at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
January 08, 2005
Tsunami Victims
I know that many of us have taken the time to donate to various organizations assisting the victims of the Tsunami. It is impossible to see these faces of the children who have been left homeless or separated from their family and not want to do something. The Joint Councel on International Children's services has posted a statement about Adopting from these countries on their website.
JCICS has also posted a list of reputable relief organizations. In the coming weeks, we will attempt to post other organizations who are actively setting up long term projects in Tsunami affected regions.
Posted by Kelly, webmaster and founder at 11:11 PM | Permalink