Merry Christmas Girls!

Told This Morning...

Our agency facilitator told us this morning that three of her clients were released from PGN yesterday. One of them had the same previa as we do. Evidently, the paperwork that the PGN is requesting is already in the file and that is why the other family was released. The coordinator in Guatemala feels our previo will be overturned and our file will also receive a release since the cases are identical. We shall wait and see what the Lord has for us.

We continue to wait patiently to see what the Lord's plan is for our family. It's like Christmas coming but instead of the gift being the surprise, the day when it arrives will be the real surprise. The Lord is definitely teaching me to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself. I can truly say that I am at total peace and not anxious at all about our situation concerning this adoption. That is the real gift from the Lord. What a wonderful Lord we serve. :)

AG On Vacation Until After Christmas

Phoned Elisa today to check if our file was at the window. She informed me that the Attorney General is on vacation until after Christmas and thus the file will not be signed off until she returns. It used to be that when the AG was out of the office, another could sign the files for release, but nothing proceeds as in the past it seems.

I do plan to phone again on Friday to see if it is indeed stuck on her desk or has made some movement toward the window. Maybe she signed it off and it will be deposited while she's away. One can hope anyway.

We've joined the 4th Class of Previa of 2008

Just heard from our coordinator and our file has a previa. We'd changed attorneys back in July and notified the CNA of the change, but the PGN file did not have the information placed in it. They are just now discovering this and gave us a previa for it. The file should be out next week to have the paperwork inserted and hopefully resubmitted. This is like Chinese water torture with the way the small things keep coming up :(

But, we hold to the truth that the Lord knows when the perfect time will be for the girls to come live with us here in TX and we must also accept that it may never be. This is totally in His hands and not ours. We hold them with open hands and feel it's been a privilege to have been able to pray for them and love them. They will always be a part of our hearts.

Info Today...

Spoke to Elisa and she found our file on the 2nd reviewers desk (still). She said they would be transferring it today to the headquarters for final review and that she hoped she could tell me something about the file on Tuesday as to whether it has been approved or has a previo. So really nothing new to report.

What PGN said today...

Phoned this morning around 9:30 Gua time. Elisa checked physically on our file which took about 10 minutes. She told us that our file was on the 2nd reviewer's desk and that it would be sent to the Attorney General's desk for signature on Monday. The AG has to sign it regardless of whether it has a previo or approval. She said to give it a week to make it to the front window and then she would be able to tell me whether it had been approved or had a previo.

Elisa has been so nice to take her time to really find out what's going on with the file. The Lord's blessing to us during this time of waiting. We'll call again next Friday and see if there is any updated news at that point.

Thanks to all who've prayed for the situation over the months. We truly appreciate it.

Break My Plans..Prayer of My Heart

Latest Off The Press From Our Coordinator in Guatemala:

"The previas were placed by the interviewers at the birth mother interview, and written in the document of the birth mother interview (by the CNA), so the approval can´t be signed by the PGN attorney until these requirements from the birth mother interviews are fullfilled, the best way to do it was affidavit statement.

Milton's previa from the birth mother interview required a statement affidavit by the two foster moms declaring they are fostering the two baby girls. (This is weird as they were at the interviews in person)

Miltons are already back at PGN. I will check tomorrow, we are just waiting to be out.

The previas have been corrected and the file resubmitted. I believe they are giving you old dates when you call."

Well all of that is encouraging news, but I still have questions and probably always will have more. That's the crazy thing about this process; you get some answers which just lead to more questions.

Makes Sense Now...

I phoned PGN to inquire about the status of our file today and spoke to a fluent English speaker, Elisa. To my disappointment, she told me our file had a previo and to my shock, it occurred about three weeks ago. We were never told of this. It makes sense to me now, why our attorney would make an appointment with the Attorney General to discuss our file. Needless to say, today has been a trial in attitude. We thought it was just a short amount of time and our file would be out, but it drags on, now.

On a good note, we hope to make another trip to visit in December. Still trying to iron out the details. Hope it works out, but this latest news does change the tenor of the visit some. We will continue to have hope they will one day live in Texas but also hold them loosely in our hands. We do appreciate everyone's prayers. We are thankful that we have God to comfort us and the truth that this life is not all there is.

Newest Pics of the Girls...

A Happy McCaule



A Somber McKelle

Found out that the girls now have the same foster mom caring for them. We are thankful for that. She is really good with the girls. We met her last Spring. We can't believe how much the girls have changed in 6 months!

Still waiting to hear any news of whether the meeting actually took place between our attorney and the Attorney General.

As We Understand...

Received information while we were at a Biblical Conference this past week that our attorney is suppose to be meeting with the Attorney General today about our file and one other. The meeting was at the request of our attorney handling the case. We'll wait to see what the Lord has in mind.

About the conference we attended at Glorieta New Mexico. It was tremendous. The theme was "Excel Still More" based on the verses from I Thes. 4:1. The topics were in Exhortation, Teachability, Being Steadfast, by Refusing Rejection, In Love, In Purity, In Obedience, and In Prayer. We were challenged and encouraged by our time in the Word.

Thanks to all of you who've encouraged us over the past few weeks. Your words have been a wonderful reminder of how believers lift one another up.

Soon Very Soon....

We were told once again today that our file has not been released but it will be soon. Those should be encouraging words, but we've been told that for the past month... you are close, it will be soon, in a week, etc. It does wear on a body.

I was thinking last evening about the length this process has taken and the truth that nothing happens that's not for our good and His glory. Rather than look at the delays of this adoption as our misfortune, I am seeing it as a wonderful opportunity to bring glory to the One who suffered on my behalf. This is all much bigger than my life and what I want. This is the Lord's plan for our family and the girls we hope to adopt. He does not make mistakes, so I am the one who needs to adjust my ways of viewing this whole situation. We want to consider it all joy and do the rest of this adoption without further complaining.

It is good that the girls are staying in Guatemala because His timing is perfect. We are thankful that they are telling us it will be soon and will rejoice greatly when the Lord moves the hearts of the PGN to release our file. Yes, we are missing milestones, but we will have years with these girls. Our biological children love them even though they are not physically in our home. They pray for them nightly and consider them their sisters only living afar. It is a blessing to have included them in our lives from the time they were born. We are grateful for the referring agency, facilitator and coordinator who handle our file and work diligently on our behalf in a most difficult political situation. We have thought and prayed for people we never had otherwise. The Lord has truly blessed us in many ways but especially in the growth of our own faith in ways we would have never have chosen for ourselves otherwise. We will pray for the hearts of the PGN staff who view our file... not just for our file to be released but of most importance, their salvation. Our God is great and greatly to be praised!

A Big Day...

Our kids participated in this year's Reformation Fair in Celebration of Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Thesis calling for reformation of the Christian Church on October 31, 1517. Each year the kids wear fun costumes. The oldest children actually work the booths at the fair while the younger do the activities and play the games. A good time is had by all. My oldest daughter is the craftsman behind these great costumes.

Hopefully New Pictures Soon...

We understand, from our facilitator, that another adopting family, who is traveling to Guatemala today, will be taking some pictures of the girls for us. What a blessing that will be to see their little faces.

Reports say that the computer problems at PGN are the result of a lightning strike to the internet antenna. They are currently waiting on parts from the US to correct the problem. In the meantime, an effort is being made to try to use another server to enter the data into the computers. Some files are being released, but very very few (about 1 per week of those reporting online). The computers have been down now for over 2 weeks. Supposedly, they are still working the files, just cannot enter the data for release.

Please be in prayer that the system will be fully functional quickly.

As Of Last Night...

We received word from our facilitator that our file will not be released this week. The PGN holds all the cards and only want to be asked once a week or they punish those who do by delaying further the release of files. Our file was inquired about last Friday the 10th. The coordinator said we were close; thought that only counted in horseshoes :) Any how, things are very slow at PGN. The computers are still not fully operational and the last two weeks have only shown two releases on the boards.

We also learned that due to the length of this process our foster moms have not received any funds for the care of the children. That is most worrisome. Please continue to seek the Lord's protection for these wee ones as we wait on His timing. We know He holds them in His Hands, we just want to join Him in praying that His Will be done. Pray also that our will continues to match His.

Today's Correspondence...

Received this from our facilitator:

"I have word that the team anticipates the next round of release of files from the PGN in about ten days to two weeks. Yours will be in that batch.

They are very tight on funding as the files are being signed but not released. A matter of 'what is it worth to you?' It is taking payment to get the files in hand."

Our remaining fees are being held by our contract agency until we exit PGN but the attorney is requesting additional money in order to pay to have these files released. The attorneys are out of money since this process has been drawn out so long by the PGN and CNA. It is so sad to see the corruption of men's hearts. These people have said they care for these children but you see just how much they care about themselves and how much they can fill their own pockets.

Our hearts break for these children whom few really care about. We are honored the Lord has allowed us to be on this journey and demonstrate His love and care. Pray for us as we consider how to proceed.

Update: Our contracting agency has agreed to release a token amount of funds to us to assist with the shortage being experienced by the attorneys. Our understanding is that we will not be charged additional on the other end of things, we are just freeing up money now. That's a praise. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We are thankful to the Lord for His guidance.

Trickle of News...

Guatemalan Coordinator wrote last night that "PGN has been without system these last days so difficult to register files that will be released". Makes sense because many who've emailed PGN as of late have not been getting a response for days or intermittant response. Elisa even told me that the computer screen was not available to update this week.

Hopefully, they will get their computer system up and running again so these babies can quickly be logged out. Our coordinator indicated that ours was one of the files she was pushing to have released.

There continues to be hope and thankfulness that the Lord helps us persevere through events such as these.

Please be in prayer for our facilitator and her colleages here in the states as they will be moving their offices over the weekend... for safety, ease and endurance to efficiently finish the task.

One More Done!

Heard back from the Embassy in Guatemala and they did not have our updated I-171-H but invited us to email of fax them a copy of ours and then they'd update our file in the computer. I was all over that one and took care of it immediately. So, one more hurdle crossed.

We received a mysterious email last Wednesday that stated our file was in PGN and they would check on it Wednesday the 24th. Strange, because we were told the file had been in PGN since the 18th of August and that they were checking on it at least twice a week. I guess we'll see what Wednesday holds.

I think they are handling so many cases that our information is not always accurate. I am thankful for the comfort the Lord gives in knowing all things and that I don't have to figure this mess out. ☺

Update on NVC Deal...

I hadn't heard back from the National Visa Center, so phoned them today. They told me that the updated I-171-H was sent to the Embassy in Guatemala yesterday 9/15/08. The nice lady also gave me the phone number to contact them directly about the update. They snail mail the thing, so I will most likely wait a week before phoning them about it.

At least there seems to have been some progress.

Another Interesting Bump...

Thought I'd call NVC (national visa center) and check to see if they had sent our updated I-171-H to the Guatemalan Embassy. They had no record of the updated form. They took down some information and said they'd call me back within 24 hours to let me know what their investigation lent. I am so glad to have called now rather than find out upon waiting for pink that there was a problem. I'll post an update when I hear something.

Also, there's no update on the status at PGN. Their computers have not been updated on my case since August 8th. It's been so nice to shoot an email rather than try to connect via Skype. Our case manager stated that she knows that the file was resubmitted. So we wait still.

Slow News Day...

You know it's slow when you are posting that a fed-ex package you sent arrived safe and sound in Guatemala.

One interesting thing is that we found out the email address for PGN and I inquired about our file. They sent me (in English) a return email concerning our case and a pdf of the computer screen so I could look at all the activity recorded on our file since the original submission. Is that cool or what?

Planning Ahead

We recently discovered that RENAP is requiring notarized copies of Prospective Adoptive Parent's passports before issuing the birth certificates. It's an ever changing world.

One of our little girl's bc definitely goes through RENAP since she is from Coban. The other baby girl's bc is from Mixco which will begin being a part of RENAP in September. As a time saver, we are sending copies ahead of time. Hopefully, this will cut some of the time off receiving their bc's. RENAP has been particularly slow recently sometimes taking 7 weeks to issue.

These are truly lessons in patience that we are learning. I cannot say it's been easy, but it has been fruitful spiritually.

No news yet from PGN...but hey, it's only been 4 days since resubmission. :)

This From Our Facilitator Today...

The file is done and has been collated (anytime anything is added to the file it has to be unbound and a new index page made that lists the page numbers and what is on that page then rebound) and translated with all of the previa addressed: it is ready to be presented and will go in on Monday. Tomorrow is a holiday in Guatemala, Feast of the Assumption.

The US Embassy also takes the Guatemalan holidays along with the U.S. holidays, so no movement in files tomorrow.

As Promised...

Our file was picked up from PGN this morning and contained a previo. They will get the necessary document from the embassy and resubmit next week. Our facilitator indicated that this should be the last of the previos since they had to search to find this one. We will see. Any how, glad to be out and I can honestly say looking forward to returning for hopefully a shorter stay :)

Current Status

Our girls file is suppose to be ready for pick up today with a previo and then will be taken to the embassy to get a new Pre-approval from the embassy for the oldest baby. Her file was pre-approved on September 28, 2007. This has been a typical request as of late on files where they have found nothing else wrong... it's the smudge test.

Any how, we continue to be encouraged by acquaintances who continue to move along in the process; especially the faster processing of the MIXCO birth certificates. One of our little girls is from there and they had been a problem in issues the amended certificates. Our other baby is from Coban which is now a part of Renap, a centralized processing center. They take a bit slower time than it used to but still within a 2 week period.

We continue to be encouraged at seeing our Lord's hand move during this process and in our hearts drawing us ever closer to Him. What a blessing!

Home Grown Boys...

Trying Times...

The last few days have been particularly trying as new information comes in from Guatemala. We have been told that we likely now have a previo on our file which will require getting new pre-approval documentation from the embassy. Not suppose to take long, but we'll have to be resubmitted to PGN once again. The good news is that others who've gone through this have exited quite rapidly, within days, of their resubmission.

We've also learned some disturbing news concerning the attorney who was listed on our file. We will wait and see if it affects our file in particular, but this has definitely brought up our concerno-meter. Please continue to be in prayer for the little ones still in the system and that they will not continue long to be a pawn in the hands of those who show so little care and that the wishes of the birth mothers would be granted.

On a happy note, we are excited for those who are currently picking up. What a blessed time for them and us as we rejoice with them! God is good all the time; all the time, God is good!

My Home Grown Girls..

Birth Mother Interview Happening Today!

Just received notice that the interview is happening as I write. We are excited to finally have something taking place. Hopefully, we'll have info on how it went today. I'll update when I know for sure.

Update: Everything went beautifully without incidence. One more step completed.
As our facilitator quoted, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25

Arrived Today!

Our approved USCIS I-171-H extension arrived in the mail today and none too soon as the original was set to expire on July 23rd. One more hurdle crossed and more faithfulness of the Lord in our lives. We are good for 18 more months!

Scheduling Problems?

The BMI did not happen last week as the birth mother was confused about the dates and thus did not show up. She thought the 9th was on Thursday rather than Wednesday. Oh, well, I guess they will give it another try this week. Hopefully, it will happen. I just keep reminding myself that the Lord's timing is perfect and never early...

Birth Mother Interview Rescheduled

Because of the deaths of President Colom's Cabinet members last Friday and the three days of national mourning, our Birthmother interview was cancelled and will be rescheduled for sometime next week. We had hoped to be past this hurdle but know the Lord's timing is perfect, so we adjust and wait.

Have a Blessed 4th of July!

Update: The birthmother interview is scheduled to take place tomorrow 7/10/08. We'll post when we hear if and how it went :)

Happy First Birthday Baby Girl!

A sweet memory was made today. Our oldest made a very berry pie in honor of our wee one's first birthday and all the children sang Happy Birthday to her. Amazing to see how they love someone so much they have never seen. Reminds me of the love we have for Christ.

Second Birth Mother Interview is Scheduled!

We are happy, but cautious, to report that McCaule's birth mother interview is schedule on July 2, 2008. We've been waiting for this for about 3 weeks.

Our facilitator and her boss will be in-country at the time of this interview to visit all the babies and all the attorneys. Maybe we'll get a new picture of the girls :)

Please be in prayer that the interview takes place without incident and that our file is released in a prompt manner. We really would like to have these babies home by summer's end. :)

Talk about Picky...

We received a rejection from USCIS of our updated home study last Thursday (June 19) because the Social Worker stated that she "recommended" us instead of "recommended and approved" us to adopt. I was so amazed that they would reject based on one word.

Any how, our social worker is making the correction and we hope to have the report mail out by Wednesday. Just a little frustrating.

Here's another picture of the girls from our trip...

Latest Joint Council Post... Encouraging

June 6, 2008

Joint Council is pleased to announce that PGN has released approximately 230 adoption cases today. At this time, there is no estimate of the number of cases with previos, versus the number of cases without. Upon the release of cases by PGN, Joint Council will be providing estimates of the number of cases without previos. Joint Council extends its appreciation to PGN for its release of these cases. We will continue to work with PGN and key stakeholders in Guatemala on the review of the adoption procedure.

More Positive News...

We have a missionary friend staying overnight with us who speaks fluent Spanish. We asked him if he would mind calling PGN and speaking with Jennifer about our file. He did call and found out our file has been approved and that our birth mothers interviews were scheduled for yesterday. One of the BM's was unable to attend due to work conflict (unable to get off). They said they should have completed the second interview by the 16th or 17th of June. We are very excited with all of this news and thankful for the Lord's provision of a Spanish speaker in our home to help us out.

We now pray that the interviews go without a hitch and our babies file can be released from PGN.

A Family Photo

PGN is Moving Again!

Today 5o cases were released to attorneys. 40 had previos and 10 were approved. All of these cases had confirmed birth mother interviews and included in the file was a brief statement concerning the interview done. This information comes directly from the Guatadopt website from their sources in-country. It is exciting to finally see the doors opening. Hopefully, more good news to come.

Promising PGN Info...

Phoned PGN today and asked about our file. The lady said we had finished our review without a previo. She also stated that our file should be released in one week. This is very promising news. We have not had a birth mother interview. Hmmm.

We also learned that there are 300 files ready to be released that have had birth mother interviews. They will release them 100 at a time, some with previos and others approved.

We are ready to see some movement of files outside of PGN. It is also our understanding that there are now some US officials watching what's going on at the PGN and advocating fair tactics with regard to the interviews of the birth mothers.

We're look forward to seeing what the coming days hold.

Three's A Charm!

We went to bed the same time as the girls did last night which helped tremendously in their sleeping. McCaule is especially auditory and any sound wakes her.

We went down for breakfast after their morning bottles at 7 a.m. McKelle ate evertyhing we put in front of her. McCaule won't eat anything but the scrambled egg. She'll try a new food and then shiver.

We had a very delightful day with them. We took them on a couple of walks outside and visited with other patrons of the hotel. We took a lot of video and pictures.

The foster mothers arrived a little after 6 pm and the girls didn't even acknowledge them. I guess they enjoyed us afterall. We did have many smiles and giggles today from them along with being content more when we were not holding them. We gave the fosters extra food for the girls that we had purchased along with some new clothes as well.

We helped them out to the taxi and said our goodbyes. It was a sweet time.

Our coordinator stayed behind to visit with us and gave us an update of what it's like in the PGN and CNA at present. It's really a zoo. The CNA says they are "rescuing" children and sent 9 up to PGN for them to do something with them and PGN sent them to hogars. The children are the ones being punished here. It's sad. The "interviewers" of the birthmothers are not people with any experience. They are basically like our FBI interogating the mothers even at times screaming at them. It is not a pleasant experience for them. There is no set practice of interviewing and every day promises something new.

We need to be in prayer for the situation at hand and as we shared with our coordinator Proverbs 21:1, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes", our prayers must be ones that bring honor to Him as He is the only one who can remedy the situation and change the hearts of those who for whatever reason are causing so much pain to so many. In the end, may Christ be glorified!

Day Two With The Girls

We woke quite tired this morning as it took the girls until 10:30 to fall asleep and then McCaule woke at 3:30 to be fed. So much for both girls knowing how to sleep through the night. :) We put them on a schedule of sorts for the day.

McKelle ate everything we put in front of her today. She's a real chow hound. McCaule really only prefers the formula. She'll try things but not much of them.

Gave both girls a bath. McKelle hated it at first and then warmed up to it. McCaule loved it from the start.

Both girls took a really good afternoon nap for 1 1/2 hrs and then we kept them up the rest to help them sleep better tonight, hopefully. McCaule does not know how to fall asleep on her own, so she cries a lot and often wakes periodically after going down.

We had dinner with our former pastor and his wife who are serving as missionaries down here. They also brought their youngest two with them. We had a lovely dinner together. They brought the girls some gifts (toys).

We've already put the girls down (8:00 guatemalan time). McCaule slept for about 15 min and now is fussing, but hopefully she'll settle down soon.

Most families that are here are picking their kids up. It's really like a ghost town compared to when we were here in November. There's one other family her fostering and no others visiting that we've met.

All for today.

We're Back!

We arrived last night around 9 pm Guatemalan time. Had a good nights rest. Our room is #25 and in the corner of the hotel, so it's quiet here. There doesn't seem to be as many famiies as in November of last year for sure.

The girls arrived around 10:30. We got to meet their foster moms. MiMi is around 25 years old and is caregiver for McKelle. Rosa is approx. 55 and takes care of McCaule. One could tell they really love our girls.

We found out that both girls were having trouble gaining weight, so the Dr. put them on a strict feeding schedule of every 2 hrs and has added fatty foods to their diet. They have been gaining. They are not much bigger than when we saw them in November.

McKelle suffers from anemia and is therefore taking iron daily. They also said the doctor has them eat two eggs a day blended into their milk. They are both sitting and play happily with toys reaching for them and exploring them. McKelle is crawling but McCaule is not.

McKelle has 8 teeth while McCaule is still working on her first. They went down for naps shortly after we got them today, thus the time to make this entry. They are so sweet.

We found out today that the girls fosters live next door to one another so the girls see one another quite often. Also, the doctor who sees them has his clinic in their neighborhood and is very strict and checks on them often(at least weekly) to make sure they are doing well. They are receiving weekly weight checks.

McKelle ate over half a banana today, but McCaule just took a couple of bites. Neither really cared for the avacado.

We did take them both on a short walk around the grounds of the hotel. They seemed to enjoy that. It's been cool and rainy off and on today. The front desk said this is their winter season.

Two Things...

First, we sent off the home study update and i600a application today to extend our I-171-H to adopt internationally. Hopefully, it will not take them too long to review it. Little has change since the first home study.

Second, we are going to visit the girls this week, Lord willing. We noticed that ticket prices were down a bit and it was the only week we both had "little" planned, so off we go. We're excited to see how much they've both changed since we saw them 6 months ago. I am sure they will be a little tense and wondering who these "babysitters" are. :)

We will stay at the same hotel next to the Embassy. Maybe we'll get some good news when we're there also.

Before we leave town, we need to celebrate our oldest boy's 16th birthday. He's got plans to see "Prince Caspian" with his dad as a part of his gift from us. Time has flown!

The Interview Process

This information comes from a gal who has completed 3 adoptions and spoke to her attorney last evening, who she has remained in contact with since her completed adoptions:

• PGN has 10 tables set up to conduct the interviews
• They are interviewing the birthmom and FM. The attorneys also.
• The baby must be present so they can check the picture from the file with the actually baby.
• They check a list to confirm the baby hasn't been reported as stolen.
• They check the docs including the voluntary consent that they mother gave the baby for adoption.
• The interview lasts approx. 45 minutes.
• PGN has not announced a protocol for these interviews.
• The first lawyers to be interviewed are ones that have had problems in the past.
• Attorneys that have many cases in PGN are being targeted. They want to know how could so many children have been found by these attorneys. Some have as many as 200-300 cases.
• Some targeted attorneys also have prior legal cases against them and are interviewed.
• Yes PGN is pressing the birth mothers change their minds.
• Detectives from the police have been present.
• The offering of money to the birth mothers to change their mind has happened, but not in each interview.

Lessons On Affliction From Job

This was from church this past week...

When we cannot comprehend the good and wise purposes of God in affliction or evil, we should not respond in these ways:


1. We should not curse God for evil that occurs in our lives or in the world (Job 2:9)

2. We should not blame God for wrong-doing. God alwys does what is right (Job 40:8)

3. We should not doubt God's perfect wisdom, or His mighty power, or His abiding love.

4. We should not neglect God due to confusion or frustration in the midst of our affliction.

5. We should not absolve God from ultimate responsibility for all that happens in the world, including all affliction, devastation, calamity and evil (Ephesians 1:11)

When we cannot comprehend the good and wise purposes of God in affliction or evil, we should respond in these ways:

1. We should praise God in and for the affliction (Job 1:21, 1 Thes. 5:18, Eph. 5:20)

2. We should accept the adversity God brings into our lives and into our world. We must be humble before Him in the face of such affliction (Job 2:10)

3. We should examine our hearts to consider whether it might be the case that our own sin has brought this affliction as divine discipline. If so, we should repent. But if not, examine what lessons the Lord has for you though the affliction.

4. We should pray earnestly, seeking God's merciful deliverance from the afflictions. (2 Cor 12 - Paul's thorn)

5. We should enlist the lasting afflictions of our lives for the good and wise purposes God has in and through, and not apart from, them.

6. We should work to relieve unjust suffering of others.

7. We should remember that Christ endured the greatest affliction possible - all the sin and guilt and pain and suffering of the world, and even more, God's full wrath against our sin - and look to Him who understands the depth of suffering far more than we could ever experience.

8. We should entrust to God the certain judgment & justice that He will bring about for immoral and evil actions (1 Peter 2:23)

9. We should hope & rejoice that because Christ has conquered all sin and evil, in our lives and in the whole created order, we await a day free from all tears, all sadness, all pain, and all suffering, a life filled with endless joy and glad satisfaction in all that God has for us in Christ.

10. We should value the magnification of the glory of God above all else, including above the well-being, health or happiness of His creatures.

Conclusion: "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart" - know God in the good days so you have strength of soul and conviction to withstand the challenges of difficult days.

Some Encouraging News...

The last two days were tense waiting on information regarding the first birth mother interviews. Gladly, for the most part, the interviews have been painless and thus far not one has been shown to be suspect. All have been approved. The interviews consist of the attorney, the birth mother, foster mother and child to be adopted. The birth mother is asked if she intended to give her child up for adoption. That's basically it. We did learn that all cases will be interviewed eventually. Attorneys may reschedule appointments if they are unable to locate the birth mother for the interview.

The attorneys do believe these interviews are a violation of the birth mother's privacy and will be filing an amparo soon to try to have them stopped. We'll see what the courts decide.

We have not heard whether our case has been interviewed as of yet. Last we knew, our girls' file was on the 2nd reviewer's desk. We do know they are reviewing the files previously approved by the prior attorney general first and then will work their way backward. Our file will have been inside PGN's doors for 7 weeks on Monday and one of our little girl's celebrates her first birthday as well. We will continue to watch and pray as this unfolds.

Very Scary Post... Please pray!

http://www.adaguatemala.org/English/news/

Let's watch and see what the Lord has planned for these children of Guatemala. Definitely a time for testing of our faith and looking to God who controls all things to perform His will and for us to accept it. Please pray for His will to be done and our faith to increase no matter the outcome. We have tried to hold these children with an open hand and this is definitely an opportunity to exercise that reality. We must rest on the truth that God is sovereign and never makes mistakes and all is to His glory.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The Current PGN Saga...

According to the Prensa Libre on May 5, all adoptions are being put on hold for a month in order to validate the legitimacy of the cases. The story can found here:

http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2008/mayo/05/236311.html.

This is what the Guatadopt staff posted today:

1.) Birthmom interviews - we do NOT have any info to indicate any plans for ALL birthmoms to be interviewed. I'm not saying it won't happen, just that we have no info to indicate it will.

2.) There were somewhere between 40-50 cases that had been approved by the old PGN regime but not yet picked up. PGN has sent out a courrier with a notice to the Notarial attorney on those cases with an appointment date of this Thursday for the birthmom, child, and foster mom to appear before PGN. They are usig the addresses given on the CNA registration form.

3.) On at least some of those addresses, the courrier was unable to find the attorney. Either the office was closed or in some instances it appears as though it is an incorrect our outdated address. PGN is continuing to try to locate these attorneys and I have no info on "what if" they don't locate them or if the appointment is missed. I also don't know which attorneys they need to locate.

4.) An amparo was filed with the courts to question PGN's legal right to do interviews when there is no probable cause. Note: my legal explanation may be incorrect, I'm not a lawyer

5.) On all of this, my advice would be to encourage folks to comply with the request and not fight while they wait for the ruling on the amparo. Everyone I have spoken to who has had contact with the CNA and the new folks at PGN says that they seem to be well intentioned and willing to work with the attorneys. One of my best contacts emphasized that I deliver the "don't panic" message.

Two other important things:

1.) We have learned that the CNA has been developing procedures for enacting the new system. We hope for those be offiicial and released soon so that children can once again find homes with permanent families. I have no info on the details of this, just that they are very close to being done!

2.) We have learned that there are a large number (100+) cases that were not registered with the CNA. Some of them may have been registered with the "original" CNA but not with Colom's. EVERYONE: make sure you got a registration number from the CNA. DEMAND IT from your agency and attorney. The "original" CNA did not issue numbers, just a stamp. So having a number should mean you are okay. If you find out your case was not registered, the adoption is legally invalid and could be in jeopardy. I would recommend you contact adoption supervisors and/or have your attorney officially petition the CNA for resolution.

Update: Meeting Between AG and Attorneys Today

Their were about 20+ attorneys. Many sat around a long conference table, while many others sat in chairs surrounding the table. The conversations went back and forth for about an hour.

Attorneys each had an opportunity to express their concerns.
Ok, here are some of the key points:

1. It is illegal for the CNA to be do investigations on grandfathered cases. *This is still being determined but it was discussed and taken to heart by Attorney General Baudilio and Sub-Attorney General Flory.

2. They realize that some cases involved corruption. The attys argued that all cases should not be delayed due to other attys who are KNOWN TO BE CORRUPT. Baudilio and Flory agreed that these attys who are corrupt are known, so what they are saying they will do is the following:

a. Criminal charges will be filed against those attys that they know are corrupt.
b. Investigation will be separate from the in-process files getting completed.

This way those corrupt attys, no longer make it difficult for those legitimately cases to get approved.

3. Baudilio and Flory, said that cases will be approved in a timely manner from now on.

4. Investigations will be done on cases that exited the PGN very quickly.

This all sounds very promising. Maybe the corruption will be curtailed... for the sake of the children, let's all pray it will be so. The Lord is working even in this difficult time and with these leaders He has placed in Guatemala. It is interesting to see His plan unfold.

On a side note, President Colom is currently in the U.S. visiting with President Bush concerning immigration issues.

Another Delay :(

Attorney General transition (Per Guatadopt)

The new Attorney General Baudilio Portillo Merlos took over yesterday. The new Sub Attorney General (replacing Barrios) is Attorney Flory de De Leon and she has already moved into the office. It appears she may be holding off making any critical decisions until the Constitutional Court rules. The new AG has requested an audit, as well.

What does this mean? Short term, cases that were simply waiting for Barrios' signature are going to be delayed because of the way the review process works and the audit. With a change of power comes delays in about any business or government entity. Expect an impact on all cases currently in PGN. Long term, we cannot predict what this will mean. As always, we hope that this appointment by Colom will mean a more efficient PGN.

Update: There will be a meeting between the attorneys of Guatemalan adoptions, the new Attorney General and Sub-Attorney General (the one who does the final sign off on adoptions) on Monday, April 28th, to discuss the state of adoptions. We look forward to hearing about the outcome of this meeting. Please continue to pray for the welfare of children from Guatemala.

Moving Right Along

Got a hold of the new gal at PGN, Christina. She told me that we were on the 2nd Reviewer's desk as of April 3. I'm thankful to see that our file has moved on and prayerful that it will not be found with any errors to proceed on. Last week, on Tuesday, when I phoned, she stated that we were on the First Reviewer's desk since 3/17. At least we're getting some consistency in reporting :)

We sure do miss these little pumpkins and are looking forward to having them in our home in the Lord's timing.

Information from our Facilitator

I emailed with our facilitator yesterday concerning some questions I had.

1. Does our coordinator check weekly concerning PGN entries or do they call her office to notify her of an out or KO? She or the attorney have to be physically present to get any updates on the files; and they don’t give any ‘in between’ status; they are either ‘previa’s’ or “signed off”……but no information in between. SO they go several times a week.

2. Since one of our little girl's Birth certificate will come from the MIXCO municipality I inquired if our attorney also was having trouble with them? Everyone does; Mixco is notorious for taking a long time to issue updated birth certificates. Apparently, this is the ‘standard’ for Mixco and so far, no one seems interested in making the authorities there behave themselves.They think they are a ‘mini PGN’ and as such, they review and reject documents at will; eventually, you either wear them down or……something is offered in exchange for what is needed.

Our prayer request is that our file would be released favorably and that once that occurs, the birth certificates would not be delayed in being issued. Thanks to all who continue to pray on our girls' behalf.

God's View on Adoption...

Saw this on another blog. It's tremendous! Enjoy.

Updated I-171H: Error?

That's right. We received our updated I-171H with new fingerprint date only to discover that the names listed at the bottom of the form were not ours! They are not even close. We've notified the USCIS of the error and hopefully they will get the correction done in a timely fashion. They had already sent the error form to the National Visa Center also. So, we are praying that the corrected form is the one that makes it to the U.S. embassy in Guatemala.

We are so thankful that we do have the technology to get some of these matters addressed more quickly than in times past. That is definitely a blessing.

Update: The USCIS corrected the I-171H error in record time. We had our newly updated form within two days of our contacting them with the error. Hurray! I sent a PDF of the form to our facilitator who in turn sent it to our Guatemalan attorney to place in our file there as proof of the updated finger prints in case there is a question later in process at the embassy. We are truly blessed to see all the Lord's work on our behalf.

We're Back In!

Received an email from our facilitator and our file was submitted to PGN today! It most likely will not be viewed until next week as the gov't of Guatemala takes off Wed-Friday for Holy Week, then business as usual beginning Monday. We are very excited none the less.

The file goes through three reviewers. First reviewer makes sure all required documents are in place. Second reviewer checks for misspellings or any inaccurate information. Third reviewer, which is the attorney general gives the file a final look over and then either signs or rejects it. The file can be rejected by any of the reviewers, but the attorney general must sign off regardless of who rejects it.

When a file is approved, then submission for new birth certificates takes place with our last name replacing the existing one. Then it's submission for a U.S. visa and a second DNA is done and compared against the child's last one. Finally, the embassy issues what is called a pink slip and asks us to travel to get the children.

When a file is rejected, the attorney must fix the error and then re-submit the file.

Please pray in the coming weeks that our file is clean and will be approved. We so want our little girls home with us.

Check out my Guestbook!

I've seen this on other blogs and thought it would be fun to add to ours.

An Explanation

We heard from our coordinator yesterday and this is what she said concerning our file's re-entry into PGN:

"The final packet is very complex with an amazing amount of detail; cover page and index to assist in the location of all documents in a correct and predetermined order.... the attorney's are being very fastidious; in your case, it is double the effort and they do not want to give any reason for extra perusal... time better spent now than getting kicked out again and having to face having to update and resubmit......"

She also said they are currently finishing up 28 cases in Guatemala and I know they've had many come to completion in recent weeks. They work with four different attorneys at any one time. It really gives one an appreciation of the work they do for you. I marvel at how they keep everything straight!

Due to the chaotic environment in Guatemala right now for the attorneys, they have been stressed to the limit. Our coordinator said that being the case, that she has set aside one day a week to discuss cases with them... today is that day. Hopefully, there will be some update news on our particular file.

We are so hopeful that the girls may be home by the end of April if all goes without a hitch. We would love to have them home before either has their first birthday :)

SNOW in Texas!

Can you believe it? Snow in the DFW area in March? The kids were so excited to see it. Our 3 1/2 year old had never seen nor touched snow before.

Coming Down During the Night

Some had already melted by 7 a.m. This is our back yard and if you've never seen one, a mesquite tree.
Our soon to be 4 year old's first snow experience. He wasn't sure he wanted any part of it.

Here are our youngest 5. Too bad that it rained so much and made the ground too squishy to really get out and play in it. We got about 2 inches of rain before the snow began late in the evening. But still, a memory made.

It's A Day to Celebrate!

We have Pre-approval on our second little girl! Day 55 from submission to the embassy! Ready to hear when we've been re-submitted to PGN. It's been encouraging as of late to hear that many who've entered PGN a second time are getting quick outs. That said, we're not getting our hopes up, but are thrilled for those other being able to bring their babies home.

There are a few things that have to happen to place the file; all docs have to be up to date; our attorney will be making certain to the best of their abilitiy that the file is “clean” to attempt to give them little reason for an obvious previa (Kick Out). There is no guarantee that it won’t happen anyway(and usually does) but they want to do all that they can to get them to have every reason to approve the file. It most likely will not re-enter this week since it's Thursday.


It was in one of the Guatemalan papers this week that PGN is reviewing those files that have already been viewed once, first, so that is encouraging as well.

Thanks to all for your continued prayers on the girls' and our behalf.

It's Official !

Today we received a copy of the girls' registration form with the CNA stamp. It was fun reading the forms and finding out a bit more about their birth mothers. All the information was typed so it made easy reading for a change that is except for the actual registration numbers which were hand written and difficult to decipher.

FROM JCICS: CA UPDATE

February 14, 2008

The Guatemala National Council for Adoptions ended the registration period for transition adoption cases on February 12, 2008. We are very pleased to report, that close to 3,000 cases were registered under the ‘new’ system. It is also our understanding that the 3,000 registrations include virtually all of the adoptions initiated under the Notarial system.

Joint Council has been informed that an individual adoption case is considered registered provided the aviso filed with the National Council for Adoptions (CNA), has been stamped (with a number) and signed. The CNA is currently developing a database of all registered cases. Once completed, the CNA will provide the database to PGN. It is our understanding that PGN will begin processing cases upon their receipt of the CNA database.

We also have information that approximately 100 cases were not registered with the CNA, according to the revised registration process. The lack of registration for these cases may preclude the completion of these specific adoptions. Any adoption service provider or adoptive parent who did not register their case(s) with the new CNA should contact their Guatemalan attorney immediately.

Another Hoop!

We made the journey down to the USCIS service center this morning to redo the fingerprints. We got there early enough so that we were 2nd and 3rd in line. The good thing is that since it's all computerized, they can tell immediately when the print is good or not and redo them at once. This is our Valentine gift to the girls :)

The Lord Shows His Mercy to Us

Yesterday was a day of good news for the Milton Household. We received our USCIS approval to be re-fingerprinted and extend the validity of the I-171-H.

We also learned that our girls have officially been registered with the CNA. They are not giving out the constancias, but photocopy the submitted forms and stamp them as having been received.

There will be a flood of cases now submitted to PGN to review. The positive thing is that those cases that were not KO'd have continued to be approved at a high rate and thus alleviating some of the congestion. There are still over 2000 cases to be submitted.

There are those of us still awaiting Pre-approval from our own government for Visa that cannot be submitted until that comes.... so we wait still. We are on day 41 of our wait today, but prayerfully continue hoping that God in his mercy will once again move the government officials to quickly give the approval so that these babies can be with their forever family.

Our hope is in the Lord and not in the political systems of this world, for we know that He holds the hearts of kings in his hands and moves them to do His sovereign will. Proverbs 21:1

As It Stands Now

The good news is that the CNA is up an running.
The bad news is that it is understaffed; only 5 taking applications.

The good news is the acceptance of registration paperwork.
The bad news is that it took all day on Friday to accept paperwork from only 5 out of the 80 attorneys standing in line.

The good news is that the CNA is working through the weekend,
The bad news is the deadline to accept files is Tuesday, February 12th.

Our prayer is that either the deadline would be extended to accommodate the remainder of cases needed to register in the spirit of the law or that these cases would all some way be registered by the deadline.

Today's Prensa Libre - CNA announcement

The National Council of Adoptions informs:

To the notaries who have submitted their files of petition of adoptions before December 31st. 2007, they must register them at the offices of the National Council of Adoptions, temporarily located at the Secretaria de Bienestar Social de la Presidencia, on 32 street 9-34 zone 11, Colonia Las Charcas until Tuesday February 12th., 2008, inclusive. Will be open during the weekend in an schedule from 9 in the morning to 16 hours.

To the notaries who submitted their files to the members of the former Council, they must present their copy at the offices of the Secretaria de Bienstar social during the before mentioned schedule so they can get assigned a registration number.

Attentively,

National Council of Adoptions, Guatemala, February 8th., 2008.

The public relations person of the Supreme Court told the media that regarding the amparo filed by the lawyers, the suspension of the obligation to fill out a four pages form was not granted, which means that they will keep requiring all the information about the child, the birthmother and the adoptive parents, a picture of the child and his prints of hands and feet. That also means that the new members of the CAN cannot argue later that because the former members were already fired when they authorized the form, did not have the right to establish such registration form. The Amparo court has validated the four page form and by filing the registration form at the new location or presenting the copy of the registration, each case will be given a registration number that will prove to the PGN that the case has already been registered.

UPDATE ABOUT THE CNA

From ADA.

February 07, 2008

Even though the directors appointed by Colom were sworn yesterday and expressed their intentions to finish the registration process of all the adoptions started before the Adoptions Law became effective on December 31st., 2007, they did not show up today at the offices of the CNA. A group of lawyers met with the only director that thus far has not been removed, Rudy Soto, appointed by the Supreme Court of Justice. He told them that the directors Marilys Barrientos de Estrada and Elizabeth Hernandez de Larios have not communicated with him, and that there is no money on sight to pay for the expenses of the CNA.

The radio news programs announced today that the amparo filed by the lawyers against the registration form and the unnecessary investigation as a condition to issue the constancia was granted, but there has not been any official communication from the Amparo Court. We expect to get it tomorrow. The amparo is based on the unreasonable information that the CNA demands to register the cases, which can be used to delay the registration of the cases, arguing that such information needs to be verified. It is also illegal, because the law says "All notarial and judicial adoption cases that are still in process when the present law becomes effective, must be registered before the Central Authority, within thirty days for the registration of the cases, so they will continue being processed according to the law effective when they were started. The cases that are not registered within that time, will be resolved according to the procdure established in this law" It does not mention the right to demand information private and confidential, and to have to verify it before issuing the constancia that the case has been registered.

The PGN is set in not accepting since January 2nd., neither new cases nor resubmission of cases with previos, arguing that to do so, the constancia of registration is needed, and that it has to be signed by the three directors. Since the three directors are not working together and there is no way that they CNA can investigate the information provided, the stand still may last for a long time. That is why the amparo is needed, to put a stop to those unjustified delays, to make the CNA stop complicating the registration process and the PGN to admit for review all the cases that have been registered, without making up rules like the need of constancia signed by three directors, when a simple copy of the registration form with the receipt seal stamped by the CNA would be more than enough.

New Members of the CNA Sworn In

Link: http://www.prensaescrita.com/diarios.php?codigo=&pagina=http://www.prensalibre.com

The new authorities of the National Council for Adoptions (CNA) took possession of their office yesterday after the four appointed by the previous government resigned.

Alfredo Trinidad, Vice Chancellor and Aura Azucena Bolaños, alternate. Both represent Foreign Affairs.

Zuly de Uclés, of the Social Welfare Department of the Presidency, Sonia Elizabeth Hernandez of Larios as the head of the delegation, is the wife of Gabriel Larios Ochaita, secretary general of the presidency, and Norma Elizabeth Robles, alternate.

It was stated that the priorities of this new council is to finish summarizing the 2350 cases from 2007, in order to extend a record (constancia) to notaries (attorneys representing the families and children) as they serve as a basis for further processing records in the PGN, prior to the deadline of November 12.

This is good news as the registration of in-process cases may proceed and the release of funds from the current administration to run the office will be released. We are making progress.

A Very Accurate Picture!

Take a moment to read the article below. It paints a very good picture the Guatemalan adoption scene.

http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/JohnStossel/2008/02/06/usa_makes_adoption_harder

Best News in a While

Anabela Morfin and Marvin Rabanales resigned to the CNA, according to what they stated in a press conference held this afternoon. Hilda Trujillo, who was appointed as stand in for the director appointed by the Supreme Court also resigned out of loyalty to Morfin and Rabanales. Their resignation clears the path to the Colom appointed directors, Marilys Barrients de Estrada and Elizabeth Hernandez de Larios, to start working and therefore, the money required for the implementation of the CNA will be released.

From Our In-Country Facilitator

Our Facilitator encouraged us with the statement below tonight. Please pray for these wee ones yet to come home.

"This very moment, I can only share what it out there: in the last 24 hours again, the rumor and half truths are running wild; “Ethica” organization announced that there are TWO CA’s and recommended that everyone be registered in both. WHAT? No connection to anything that we know to be true or actual involved in that post at all…….then, today, Joint Council decides to post that “no CA registrations are being accepted”(well, none have been anyway as of Jan 28th so what is this shred of information mean now? (and they love to do this on Friday evening and then “hide out” until Monday)…….just everybody rock back, of course I will let you know the second I have anything that is actually confirmed accurate and from IN THE COUNTRY(not through any blog or organization).

As usual, Guatadopt has the best “balance” and I want to remind everyone to not just skip every third word( Guateadopt uses words like “Supposedly” “Maybe” “Don't hold your breath, but keep your fingers crossed” “we don’t know” “rumor”……again, we are assured that the children WILL COME HOME. If for a second you believe that the 3700 children that HAVE FAMILIES are going to be kept in a country that already has children being left to die because the law they passed does not provide for them ……….I have full faith that eventually, no matter what legal authorities have to become involved, they will do so, in support of these specific children getting to the US and into the arms of their US parents…..and then, perhaps…….even those without hope will be safe also….."

JCICS Statement

February 1, 2008

Joint Council can confirm that the Central Authority in Guatemala has recently stopped accepting registrations of in-process adoptions. Joint Council has already petitioned U.S. Department of State consular offices in Guatemala City and in Washington, D.C. for their immediate and direct advocacy to address the current suspension by the Central Authority. Additionally, Joint Council staff have already addressed the suspension with officials from several U.S. congressional offices as well as the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Joint Council remains in frequent dialogue with representatives of the Guatemalan government and will post additional information as it becomes available.

Today From Ethica's Website

2008-01-31

Important Information on Registration of In-process cases in Guatemala


Ethica has confirmed information that there are two Central Authority offices operating, and it is unclear which one will be determined to be the official Central Authority. Therefore, at this time it is recommended that families register their in-process cases with both offices to ensure that their cases are timely registered with whichever office becomes the official Central Authority.

New From the DOS

Guatemala: Registering In-Process Cases with the National Adoption Council

January 2008

The adoption law passed by Guatemala’s Congress on December 11, 2007, permits notarial adoption cases initiated before its effective date of December 31, 2007, to be completed under the old notarial process, provided those cases are registered with the National Adoption Council (CNA), Guatemala’s Hague Convention Central Authority for adoptions, within 30 business days after the effective date of the law. Unless a case has already received a favorable opinion from the Guatemalan Solicitor General’s office (PGN), it still needs to be registered with the CNA to be eligible for processing under the old law. The Embassy, therefore, recommends that prospective adoptive parents confirm with their Guatemalan legal representatives that this registration "Aviso" has been filed with the CNA for their adoption case.

Following receipt of the “Aviso” by the CNA, they will issue a confirmation of registration (“Constancia”). Cases are considered registered and pending only if a “Constancia” has been issued. Filing the “Aviso” with the CNA before February 12, 2008, should be sufficient to register the case, even if there is a delay in issuing the “Constancia.”

Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that the Government of Guatemala is engaged in establishing the CNA and that the definition of “registered case” is still subject to change. Prospective adoptive parents should remain in direct contact with their adoption service providers to ensure that any requirements set forth by the Government of Guatemala are being met.

As Expected: Kick Out

We received the expected KO for no Pre-approval. Spoke with PGN (Laura) and she said our kick out occurred on January 22nd. There may have been other things that need to be remedied. Not sure if our attorney has picked up the file as of yet.

We are still waiting on the USCIS to issue the pre-approval and our attorney to register us with the Central Authority. The central authority has made changes to the form they provided last week. They've added a place for the photo of the child, but other than that, I did not notice any other amendments.

Today's Information from ADA

A few weeks after the Adoptions Law became effective, the Central Authority cannot take off and adoptions are not going anywhere.

Since there is no law to support the legality of the form that requires personal and confidential information of all the interested parties in the adoption, as well as the verification of the same by the Central Authority, it is doubtful that the registration of the adoptions with the weekly changing form, is legal.

The Central Authority does not have money to work, because the ten million quetzals that are needed to start working, will not be released until the conflict of the appointments of the members of the board of directors is settled.

The PGN is rejecting as many cases as possible, and refuses to accept any cases, even those that were previously rejected and need to be resubmitted, until proof of registration with the Central Authority is included.

ALL CASES IN PROCESS, regardless of their status, even those that are already finished and only pending recording at the Civil Registry, must be registered with the Central Authority before February 12, 2008 in order to be grandfathered. If the case is not registered with the CA, the PGN will not approve it. The fact that the CA is refusing to register the cases, because to offer to give the proof of registration later and not doing it, is the same as not registering it.

Right now, not a single adoption case has been registered by the Central Authority.Time is passing by and if by February 12th. that situation has not been solved, the situation of all the adoptions in process will be at the mercy of the Central Authority, because they will have total control of the processes. The adoption lawyers will have to keep supporting the children, but whether the children would go to the people who have been waiting for them is still unclear.

ADA is poised to file an amparo to get a ruling stating that the CA must proceed without delay to register the in process cases and to stop asking for information that is simply none of their business.

If you wish to read the article in full:
http://www.adaguatemala.org/English/news/

New pictures: Top McCaule 6 months, Bottom McKelle 8 months

Busy Week

Our attorney's staff and our coordinator have been very busy filling out the new forms and getting the necessary prints this week for the new Central Authority. News is that the attorneys feel the paper work requests too much personal information not needed by the central authority and in fact PGN feels the same and has not been handing over information that the Central Authority has requested from files. The attorneys have filed a formal complaint, but are still complying with what is required on the forms as written. We'll see what the judge rules.

The personnel that were let go by the new administration last week filed a suit with the courts to retain their positions and at present the judge granted their request on a temporary basis. So I guess at this point rather than 3 there are 5 at Central Authority that are in charge. Hmmm

Our coordinator did indeed see the girls and said they are precious and will be sending more pictures soon. She is currently on her way back to the states.

Requesting Re-Fingerprinting

Since it looks like we are not going to be finished with this adoption before our fingerprints expire on March 26th, we are making application today for a one time free re-fingerprinting. Hopefully, we will have the girls home before the I-171-H expires July 23, 2008!

Here's the website I found the USCIS info regarding the free extensions if any reader is interested: www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/PAPChanges080607.pdf

Registration

Coordinator contacted me last evening (She's in Guatemala now) and said that she was meeting with our girls to get their foot and palm prints for the registration form for the Central Authority. We are somewhat relieved that they are indeed filling out the paperwork so that we don't get caught in the gap of those KO'd and maybe missing the February deadline for registration. There has been no clarification on that point. We still do not specifically know what the definition of "grandfathered" is as it pertains to adoptions begun before December 31st. We are fairly confident, however, that our case falls within any specifications.

As of last Tuesday, we were still in PGN and on the first reviewer's desk. Many without pre-approval are not getting KO's until having been on the 2nd reviewer's desk. That could be a good thing as maybe the reviewers will have noted a list of things that need to be fixed while out and we only have one KO.

Hope to have some new pictures of the girls to post since they received a visit last night.

New Form Revealed

The Central Authority has shown us the new form for registration. It is 4 pages long and includes a place for foot/hand prints of the child. Much of the information is redundant to what's already in the file presented to the PGN. In my opinion, it will take a lot of man power to get these filled out and registered with the Central Authority before the February deadline the middle of the month.

Also, the new appointments were made to the Central Authority by the new administration. Rather than step aside humbly, the first appointees have vowed to fight the decision and remain on the job and said the new President had no authority to replace them. Hmmm.

An interesting day, we'll see how all this fleshes out. Those who currently have to register with the new form are those who never entered PGN and those who have received a KO. Not sure yet what will happen to those who may receive a KO in PGN after the Feb. deadline.

In the News Today

Information from Guatemalan Attorneys to U.S. Agencies:
All attorneys that have pending cases have been called to a meeting with what is to be the NEW CENTRAL AUTHORITY on Thursday January 17, 2008. The attorney's will attend to find out what they are suppose to do to register their cases with the new CA.

According to the Prensaescrita Newspaper:
The president's wife is suspect of some of the appointments made on the CNA which were appointed by Berger, the new president wants to appoint them so they don't have an agenda, but only the best interest of the child in mind.

Prayer Request:
We need to be in prayer for the babies of Guatemala as an outbreak of the Rotavirus has been rampant and resulted in the death of at least one infant, 3 1/2 months, who was to be adopted.

News from JCICS Today

Formation of the Central Authority

As required by the new adoption law (Decree 77-2007), the Guatemalan Supreme Court, Bienestar and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have appointed Rudy Soto Ovalle, Marvin Rabanels and Anabela Morfin respectively as their representatives to the Central Authority. The installation of these representatives occurred on Friday, January 11, 208. It should be noted that while the law calls for the appointment of the representatives within 14 business days (approximately January 18), Joint Council is encouraged that the appointments have occurred sooner than required.

It is expected that within days, these newly appointed representatives will meet as the Central Authority and establish (1) procedures by which pending cases can be registered and (2) definitions of ‘cases in process’

Registering of Cases

All cases which are in process, as defined by the Central Authority, must be registered within 30 business days of January 1, 2008 (approximately February 11, 2008). Through considerable discussion with all stakeholders, the representatives to the Central Authority have acknowledged the importance of establishing definitions and procedures by which the pending cases can be registered. Given the early formation of the Central Authority and expected release of the definition and registry procedure Joint Council and others remain confident that the registry of pending adoption cases will be completed within the requirements of the law (by approximately February 11, 2008).

New Central Authority Announced

Today, PGN published information about the new Central Authority.

It is located at
32nd street
9-34 zone 11
Colonia Las Charcas, Guatemala City.

We do not yet have details on the registration process.

Exciting News

Our DNA paperwork arrived at the Embassy at 4 p.m. today. It will most likely not be registered until tomorrow, so the official Pre-approval for visa counting will not start until then. We have not received our hard copy as of yet. We did get our PGN registration number today, so it's official that our case has been entered there.