Adoption for niece and nephew
Donation protected
Two months ago I was contacted by my lawyer in Guatemala that child services was looking for a family to adopt my nephew and niece. My heart dropped again. This wasn’t the first time this had happened, but this time I was determined to make it happen. Two years ago I tried to get custody of them, but due to many factors out of my control the judge didn’t rule in my favor. During the past two years one of my nephews died, my niece, Katherine, put herself in the system versus living with her grandmother, and my oldest nephew, Brayan, ran away and lived on the streets for a year and a half.
Cindy and I made the decision that we would take on this responsibility and open our home to them. We both came down to Guatemala because our original court date was set for June 3, but due to a breakdown in the system Katherine didn't show up for the hearing. It was rescheduled to June 13. Cindy had to leave, and I stayed because the courts gave me temporary custody of Brayan.
Fast forward to June 13. We waited ten days to hear the judge make the decision that in my care the children would be better off. He decided that they had suffered enough in their short lives and that me taking them to the states would be the best option for them. We were reunited again and we celebrated!
Now we wait. We wait to receive the official paperwork so I can take them. We wait for passports, we wait for the visa process, and we keep on living here in Guatemala. I have no idea how long this will take but so many thoughts are running through my head.
I have enough vacation and sick time to cover me being gone until July 27. After that I won’t be earning money. I also have leave from work up to 12 weeks, and I can probably ask for more if needed. Time is not an issue unless we have issues with immigration, but having enough money will become an issue. Cindy and I have some savings, but everything is starting to add up.
I’m not asking for money for myself or for Cindy. I am asking for help to cover the expenses of passports, visas, doctor visits in Guatemala, lawyer fees, living, driving, school, therapy, tutors for both once we get to states, and the cost of starting from scratch with two teenagers. Both came with barely anything, and the condition of the clothes that they came in was horrible. The good thing is they are both in good health physically and mentally for the most part. While we are here in Guatemala Katherine is going to school so she doesn’t lose time, but Brayan hasn’t been to school in three years, so we aren’t sure what to do with him here. For right now he is learning English with Duolingo, and we are practicing as well. I also have him exercising. If we have to stay long we will need to figure out a plan for him. They both have to go to therapy as well.
For two weeks Brayan and I have been staying with a friend, but now with the three of us we need our own space. To get to know each other. Also with all the traveling we have had to do, I finally decided renting a car was a necessary factor.
Thank you for reading! We will appreciate your support! We feel so loved already with all the kind words and thoughts that have been sent to us.
Cindy and I made the decision that we would take on this responsibility and open our home to them. We both came down to Guatemala because our original court date was set for June 3, but due to a breakdown in the system Katherine didn't show up for the hearing. It was rescheduled to June 13. Cindy had to leave, and I stayed because the courts gave me temporary custody of Brayan.
Fast forward to June 13. We waited ten days to hear the judge make the decision that in my care the children would be better off. He decided that they had suffered enough in their short lives and that me taking them to the states would be the best option for them. We were reunited again and we celebrated!
Now we wait. We wait to receive the official paperwork so I can take them. We wait for passports, we wait for the visa process, and we keep on living here in Guatemala. I have no idea how long this will take but so many thoughts are running through my head.
I have enough vacation and sick time to cover me being gone until July 27. After that I won’t be earning money. I also have leave from work up to 12 weeks, and I can probably ask for more if needed. Time is not an issue unless we have issues with immigration, but having enough money will become an issue. Cindy and I have some savings, but everything is starting to add up.
I’m not asking for money for myself or for Cindy. I am asking for help to cover the expenses of passports, visas, doctor visits in Guatemala, lawyer fees, living, driving, school, therapy, tutors for both once we get to states, and the cost of starting from scratch with two teenagers. Both came with barely anything, and the condition of the clothes that they came in was horrible. The good thing is they are both in good health physically and mentally for the most part. While we are here in Guatemala Katherine is going to school so she doesn’t lose time, but Brayan hasn’t been to school in three years, so we aren’t sure what to do with him here. For right now he is learning English with Duolingo, and we are practicing as well. I also have him exercising. If we have to stay long we will need to figure out a plan for him. They both have to go to therapy as well.
For two weeks Brayan and I have been staying with a friend, but now with the three of us we need our own space. To get to know each other. Also with all the traveling we have had to do, I finally decided renting a car was a necessary factor.
Thank you for reading! We will appreciate your support! We feel so loved already with all the kind words and thoughts that have been sent to us.
Organizer
Debora Rock
Organizer