nicoleb

theluvof2moms · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 11:12 AM

Hi Nicole,
How are you feeling? I am so sorry this is happening to you and your family as if you have not been through enough already. I was wondering what happens to the families who just got referrals will they be completed or will they now have to wait a year to bring those babies home?

Also would it be possible to look for another agency? You would have some new fees but atleast Guat would still be an option. How much have they had you pay so far? Did they forsee this shut down, why have they closed the program? I don't mean to pry so please tell me to bug off if you don't want to answer any of these questions.

Keep your chin up!!

bdunkadunk · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 01:20 PM

I was wondering the same things myself. There are options, even though this situation really does stink. Hang in there!

nicoleb · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2007, 01:45 PM

Hi there,
Thanks for thinking about me. We are hanging in here. Some days are good, some days are bad. Some days just are.
The people that received referrals (even just a week before the program was suspended) have been told to expect their adoption to proceed as "normal". The couple on the list behind us have asked for their international fee back, and have recieved it. I am not sure what they are planning to do.
Between the agency fees and all of the monies we have spent to get our dossier to where it is, we are in this for $10,000. Going to another agency is a possibility, but so many agencies aren't 100% sure where the situation is heading in Guatemala so they are unable to tell us for sure if we can/will get a baby home.
Plus, we would lose all but $3000 from our agency and we only were able to come up with $35,000 to do all of this. To start over would put the total at $42,000 and we just aren't willing to spend that type of money with out a for sure outcome.
I just drafted an email to our agency asking all the questions you did Kristine. Why did they not give us an inkling that this would happen.

We have decided to dual list and stay with LSS. We will go to the class on the 21st for open/ifant domestic and then get in "the book". And stay in the Guatemala program (which is what we really want to do) until it opens up again.

Our SW tells us that placements could take 2 weeks or 2 years. I don't know if I have ever mentioned it here, but I am adopted and I also placed a child for adoption when I was 17. I have contact with her and it is a fine situation. It just makes me wonder if a birthmother will pick us because she will think that I have already had my chance. I don't know.

All this is driving me crazy as you can tell.

I'll let you know more as I do.

Hugs,
Nicole

theluvof2moms · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 04:14 AM

I hope they give you some of your money back that would be so great. I think it is good to be double listed and you know what I would not worry about your history in my mind seeing you have been on both sides of the adoption world I think you would be one of my top picks. I would feel like I had so much in common with you like you could really help me out emotional and you could also understand the feelings this child will have. Nicole you have so much to offer a child your day will come.

I hope your heart can heal and that no matter how you bring your baby home you and your family feel secure and confident it is the right way to go (international or domestic). You know I sometimes try to discount my feelings when it comes to things going wrong in the adoption process because it is just paperwork so far but really that is stupid, we invest so much time and love into this you are having to say good by to a dream to a piece of your heart and that requires some grieving so i hope you allow yourself time to do that.

Big Hugs and please keep me posted I would really like to understand the agencies issue here.

amberl10 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 07:41 AM

I really hope you will get your money back. I can't believe they didn't have any idea this would happen. It was kind of like our agency. We initially looked into Guatemala but decided to go with domestic. Now our agency has closed the Guatemala program so we would have been in the same position as you.

If God opens up your heart to domestic adoption I think it's wonderful. I also don't believe any birthmom would think you had your chance when you placed a baby. In fact, it might help your chances. It's just a matter of God's timing in our lives. Hang in there. Your baby is out there.

mildlydelirious · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 11:24 AM

Sending positive thoughts...

~m

NY11 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 05:49 PM

Nicole

:bighuhg

I am so sorry you have to go through this. How frustrating

I hope you get your money back and good luck with whatever you decide.

Cathy