Still Waiting and No Guatemala has not closed adoptions at this time.

I just thought I would let everyone know that we are currently in the 60 day wait for the US Embassy pre-approval for Madison's visa. That is supposed to be a 60 day wait but the most recent rumor is that it could be a much as a 90 day wait. We are praying that is not the case. Once we have the Embassy pre-approval our case will move to PGN. The easiest way to describe PGN is that it is a Guatemala Government agency. Each adoption case has been averaging about 7 weeks in the PGN process but it could be longer. Some of you may have either read or heard about a raid on an orphanage in Antigua Guatemala. The reasons behind the raid and the issues surrounding this situation do not have any relation to the majority of the adoptions in Guatemala. However this kind of news does tend to send fear into the foster homes, attorneys and birthmothers. Guatemala is currently in the process of making all of the adoption policies and procedures compliant with the Hague Treaty (Convention) which regulates international adoptions. The new guidelines will only help to strengthen the system and weed out the dishonest people but in doing so it may lengthen the entire process. Wayne and I ask that you please keep all Guatemalan adoptions in your prayers. We are confident in our agency and trust that they have our best interest at heart. We know that they are doing everything they can to see that our case is completed in a timely manner. We all know how much red tape is involved anytime you deal with a government office and when dealing with two different countries that only multiplies. We are hoping to have a miracle and have Madison home by the middle of November but know that it is not up to us. God is in control of this entire situation and we have to continue to trust in him.

As to the rumors that Guatemala has stopped all adoptions and closed the system, they are not true. Yes the US Government has recommended that no new cases be started until after the first of the year when the Hague treaty is in effect, but the current cases are still being processed and are all expected to be completed by the end of the year.

We are currently getting ready to go for our visit in Guatemala. We are so excited and thank God for this opportunity. Some of you may remember that at the beginning of August we were told that a visit in September was more than likely out of the question, well God Is Good! He made it happen and we are going to see our little girl. We will be in Guatemala on Wayne's birthday. I know he is so excited to get to spend his birthday with his daughter. I keep telling him that we will find a restaurant that sings to you like they do here, except that they will be singing in Spanish. If that happens I will try to get pictures. We are also excited to get to spend time with our friends Chrissie, Enrique and their daughter Marissa. Chrissie and Enrique are missionaries in Guatemala and are going to come to the city to spend a few days while we are there.

Again please keep our adoption in your prayers and that whatever happens we know it is God's will. We also ask that you keep our trip in your prayers.