Urgent Message

I am going to try my best to communicate just what exactly is happening right now regarding adoption in Guatemala. This is a very detailed, complicated, political subject and one that has serious consequences for us (and thousands of other adoptive families).
Firstly, let me state that effective January 1st 2007 Guatemala will NO LONGER be approving adoptions from the United States. If and only if the US ratifies the Hague treaty will the doors be reopened. This will take time and thousands of children will suffer in the interim.

That being said, there are a number of cases (approximately 3000) that are still in the system. WE ARE ONE OF THEM! There is great uncertainty as to what will happen to all of us still "stuck" in the system. Up until a few days ago, the US Department of State indicated that as long as certain documents were filed and approved, we would be "grandfathered in" and the new laws would not pertain to us. Sadly, there Urgent notification that came out on September 26th indicates otherwise. The summary of this notification states that all US agencies should stop their Guatemalan adoption programs and that they can no longer gaurantee that "in process" cases will be completed. All cases not completed by December 31st will be in severe jeopardy (and unless new news comes into play) will not be allowed to continue.
What does this mean for us? - I can't even type the words. I will only say this: Anthony must be home December 31st.
So, we are riddled with fear, helplessness and urgency. Never a good combination. We are desperately trying to continue our feelings of joy and excitement because we know that to do otherwise only deprives Anthony of his right to have a joyous journey home. Our parental insticts have kicked in full force and we will fight to bring Anthony home. Our fight to go forward is coupled by the emotional words of our agency "There is no back peddling here - we will march forward confident that we will bring your son home to you".
How can you help? Call your senators, call the DOS, read up on the topic and pray. Pray that not only do the in process cases complete before December 31st but pray for all the helpless Guatemalan children that will be abandoned by their system. I am sickened and heartbroken over what is to come of them and how a political stance is deemed more important than a human life.