The adoption process can be very stressful. Besides all the usual stresses - delays, complications, the not knowing exactly what's going on, etc - there's the fact that you're very alone while going through the process. Very few of us know someone in our every day lives going through an adoption at the same time who understands what we're feeling and experiencing. With the internet, however, now you can find others in similar situations to share stories with, complain to and celebrate with. I've seen someone use the phrase "stranger-friend" to explain these relationships. They are people that know so much about you but that you've probably never met and in many cases may never meet.
I was lucky enough, through a web group, to meet a friend like this. Damaris actually offered to make phone calls down to Guatemala for us to find out information on our case. In just a few months, she was able to find out more concrete information than we had gotten from our agency in almost two years. She was the person who gave us the information that we were out of PGN, and that Rudy would be coming home soon.
Damaris, forgive me if these details aren't exactly right, and feel free to correct me and I'll make any changes. Damaris and her husband, Eddie, have a 3 year old son, John Jose, from Guatemala who came home at just a few months old - yes it does happen sometimes. Around the time they brought John Jose home, they accepted the referral of their daughter, Nidia. Unfortunately they have been on a long road to bring Nidia home. She will be 3 in June and they are hoping to bring her home soon. The latest news is they are very close to the end of the PGN process and we are hoping and praying that this is true. So my special request for anyone reading this - say a prayer, send positive thoughts, wish on a star -whatever you can do that may help bring Nidia home and soon. And if you'd like to leave a comment for Damaris and her family, I'll be sure she gets them. Fortunately Nidia is with a wonderful foster family, who Paul, Rudy and I got to meet in Guatemala, but it is time for her to come home to her family who has been waiting, patiently and not so patiently, for almost 3 years. Damaris, when Nidia comes home, we will have to get together. I'm sure Rudy and John Jose and Nidia will have a lot of fun together!
