Delays at US Embassy

Say it ain't so... there is a back up at the US Embassy in Guatemala. I have heard from the agency that because of the recent fraud cases, and the upcoming Easter break, the US Embassy has a back up in approving cases and scheduling the visa interviews. What a bummer! I don't have too many details at this point, other then it may be a few more weeks. I can't believe it! I have waited all this time for the Guatemalan side to approve, and now the US Embassy is slow.

March Pics!

What a week, PGN approval and new pictures from the pediatrician! His report says she has 6 teeth, sits by herself, and healthy. She is 19 pounds and 28 inches long.

By the way, this is the outfit I sent down recently! I can't wait to see her soon!!

APPROVED!!!!

Praise God!! The PGN approved my case today!! I got word less than an hour ago that the PGN approved my case! My agency told me there were two other cases that were not approved, so thank goodness mine was approved!

I do not have the details worked out yet, but I will probably travel down to pick up Elizabeth after Easter. It takes a few weeks to finalize all the documents, the adoption decree, her passport, etc.

Yahoo!!! More details later!!!

State Department News

Many of you have probably seen the recent news that the US State Department is no longer recommending Americans adopt from Guatemala. They cite many issues with corruption in the process. Below is a link to an article that explains the US State Department's point of view.

I do not know what this means for my case and others in process, other then the bit of information in the article about things taking longer. Thankfully, the State Department has not put a ban on cases in progress. I am in the final stages, I just have the one big hurdle to get the approval from Guatemala. Once that happens, Elizabeth is mine in the eyes of Guatemala. I hope to hear this week that the approval on my case has been signed.

Please continue to pray for my case and for others in Guatemala. It is a sad situation with no easy answers.

Article link: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/ADOPTIONS_GUATEMALA?SITE=KHOU&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Big Question

And the answer is...I am still waiting to hear if the PGN approves my case. It looks like most approvals are taking 7 weeks. My case re-entered on February 2, so 7 weeks from that date is March 23. That is the new target date to hear from the PGN.

If the approval comes on or close the the 23rd, I'll probably head down to Guatemala after Easter.
So exciting!!

still waiting...

Yes, I am still waiting to hear if my case is approved by the PGN in Guatemala. It has been a long and tough wait and it looks like it will be another couple of weeks. I spoke with the agency today and she said she will keep me posted when the cases that went in just before mine come out so I will have a better idea on timing.

Sigh...

Another Video

Here is another video from my visit in November to see Elizabeth in Guatemala. Aunt Carrie is the videographer. Elizabeth is being a good sport and being patient while Mommy and Aunt Carrie have fun with those big cheeks!