As September approached, however, the list of concerns with adopting from Ukraine grew exponentially: a) Ukraine suspended accepting new dossier's from Americans, b) our adoption agency was "bending" the Ukraine laws (from what we could tell), c) the travel time required in country was sounding longer and longer, and d) we were concerned that our agency might actually be baiting and switching on us. I started to seriously question whether or not Aleksey even existed. We made a tough decision to "fire" our agency and we were fortunate to negotiate out of our contract with reasonable terms.
So, as with all things, this experience led us to our new path. We (well...let's be real here....) I spent mid-Sept to mid-October researching agencies and countries and essentially re-starting our process from scratch. Fortunately, however, our home study and U.S.CIS (Immigration) filing was relevent for any country with a quick amendment (and of course, a change fee!). We looked closely at Russia and Guatemala and took a passing interest in a couple couple lesser known countries. Hands down, the Guatemalan culture, the legal system and process, the available children and my interactions with agencies focused on Guatemala, were far superior to any other country.
So, as sad as it was to take down the photo of Aleksey, all things happen for a reason and we have found sweet Franklin, a 3 1/2 year old boy from Guatemala who we hope will find a happy place in our family. It took some extra consideration to pursue an older child but with all of the "normal" fears and discussions, came the excitement of bridging the age gap between John and Ian. We were especially encouraged by the thoughts of our social worker who had gotten to know our family well during August and September. We believe that Franklin has had a decent start in life and that he was loved by his birth mother and well cared for. We understand that she was a very young mother and she ultimately gave in to cultural and economic pressures to give him up.
So while we will be anxious throughout the process that something will prevent him from becoming part of our family, I have made a conscious decision not to let the fear overshadow our hope of becoming a family of five. I want to take this journey with an optimistic and hopeful heart believing that if it was meant to be....it WILL be! All for tonight!!
