So, when will AJ be home?

I wish it were as easy as giving a set-date. Unfortunately, so much has to happen before we can go to Guatemala and get him. Here is a brief outline of what channels we need to go through before that can happen. Keep in mind that there are a lot of things that can come up during each step in the process.

Right now we are in Family Court in Guatemala
(This will take approximately 2 months. The birth mother is interviewed, papers are signed and filled out, DNA test is done, and so on. We will receive a pre-approval from Family Court when we are ready to go on to the next phase.)

When we get out of Family Court then we go into PGN. PGN is the government office that processes the legality of the entire adoption. Our file will go to a "reviewer" in PGN and each document will be looked at for any errors or discrepancies. Dates, signatures, authenticity, etc. will all be looked at on each document. (Keep in mind there are 100s of documents in each file). If the reviewer finds any problems or has any questions we will be "knocked out" or "previo". This means that we then have to correct the problem and resubmit our file to PGN.

Once the reviewer has cleared the file, it then goes before a second reviewer. The process of checking each document is completed again. When the second reviewer approves the file, it then goes before Mr. Barrios. He is the only one in PGN that can sign off on an adoption case. (He also has other roles in PGN) Once he checks the file we will either be "knocked out" or "approved".

For those of you wondering, there is no rhyme or reason behind how they process cases in PGN. Some cases get out in a few weeks, some in months, and in a few cases - years. If your case is "knocked out" for any reason - the problem must be corrected and then resubmitted. When your file is resubmitted, it is like starting in PGN all over again.

When our case is approved, then we will be given a "pink slip" which means that we are out of PGN. Shortly thereafter, about 1-3 weeks, we will be given an Embassy Appt. This is when we will go to Guatemala. We will appear at the US Embassy (w/Anthony) and sign all the necessary final documents. Once the documents are signed, we will need to wait a day or so to get his passport to re-enter the U.S.

So, hope this helps answer the "when will you get him" question.