The DNA test has been requested.

Our adoption agency called and left us a message yesterday stating that the DNA test for our case has been authorized and requested. As far as she knew there were also in the process of conducting the test as well. This is a huge step for the adoption. Once the results are confirmed and the tests results are finalized then we should be able to at go visit.

We also found out that there have been some changes with adoptions in Guatemala. Guatemala has signed the Hague Treaty which regulates the adoptions with new standards by the United States and Guatemala. Part of the new standards is to have a second DNA test done toward the end of the adoption. This is a test which requires Madison's DNA to be taken and tested to verify that she is still the same baby that was originally tested in the beginning (the one we are waiting on now). Of course we all know that these regulations are not put in place just for the fun of it. Guatemala has had a bad history of illegal adoptions and child abductions. This is just part of the steps both countries are taking to try to reduce these incidents from happening. It is hard to hear about the changes but when you think about the innoncent children who have families already and can be spared from being taken from their families, it is all understandable. The second DNA test will be another expense but it is one we completely understand and it will just help to confirm that Madison is able to be adopted.

Please continue to keep our adoption and Madison in your prayers. We also ask that you keep the other families with our agency who are adopting from Guatemala in your prayers and that these changes don't cause too many speed bumps in the process.