I am adopting from Panama also!

Welcome! Your attorney was very optimistic about the time frame! We accepted our referral in March and thought we would be traveling in July or August, and in March that seemed like such a long time to wait! Could you tell us what the orphanage was like, how many children, the ages, how many caregivers, the condition of the orphanage, did you interact with any children, did they seem active...? Any info would be great! All the best, Julie

Welcome to the Panama team: Your attorney is extremely optimistic and I pray that it works out to be a quick process for you. When you have the time, go through the site and read the adventures that many of us have had in the process. Many are adopting through agencies; however, there is at least one on the site that is using a private attorney in Panama. I believe the shortest adoption that has been processed in the last 2 years was 6-8 months after referral. Hopefully your attorney will be able to move you through the process more quickly. Please keep us all posted on your progress. It is great to hear that an attorney is optimistic that the process can be improved and work faster. Many of us have found the Panama adoption journey takes Faith, patience, love and endurance. It is great to have new insight into the process! Good luck and God Bless!

Did you take any pictures while visiting the Red Cross orphanage??? If so, we'd love to see them! (That's where "our" two have been living since Aug. 2003.) The birthmother of "our" two kiddos has been challenging TPR since April 2004. The judge has held 4 different TPR hearings, but each time she has declared a "continuance" because a) the birthmother didn't show up, b) the birthmother showed up, but without an attorney, c) the birthmother was ordered to have a drug screening done but "forgot" to do it in time for the next hearing, etc., etc. The 5th and "final" TPR hearing is in less than 3 weeks (Aug. 19), and by then we'll know if we'll be adopting from Panama or not. Our attorney hasn't found any other legally-free (or close to it) children for us, and it doesn't look like she will anytime soon. Please be sure that your attorney finds ONLY children who have TPR (or are close to getting it), because as you'll see from our stories, it can take a year or more to get it! Argh, very frustrating. And during that time, your U.S. paperwork will expire (fingerprints, I-600 approval to adopt, homestudy, etc.) and need to be re-issued. Rebecca Adopting independently through Panamanian attorney

Hi All. Thanks for the warm welcome. I have read all of your posts and it scares me!! I am trying to stay positive, although my heart aches for the moment when I can finally hold a baby and know that it is mine. I have had 2 very disappointing miscarriages and long to have a child to call my own. As I am sure most of you do also! While in Panama, we went to the orphanage. It was a 1-floor block building. It was in a run down area of town. The doors were all gated and locked. The director let us in. When we got there all the children were outside playing in a fenced in playground. There were large colorful murals on the walls and plenty of swings, slides, etc... The children were all running around playing. (Ave. age b/t 2-5) I would say about 20 kids with maybe 4-5 workers. There was one 9 mo. old boy there also. Everything inside was very simple, but clean. One large room with a bunch of single beds, a small Dr.'s room where the Dr. checks everyone out. They also hold a day care at this orphanage too. Those children were all in a room by themselves with a teacher. The workers all seemed friendly and interacted with the children. None of them spoke English. We talked through our attorney. There was a couple there that was adopting a 1 yr. old from Poland. They were visiting him. Everyone looked happy and well cared for. The children came up to us and wanted to stand by us, hold our hands. But our attorney discouraged us from really playing with them and taking pictures. I am aware of the potential delays and expecting things to slow. I too have taken the approach to push it from my mind in an attempt to guard my heart while we wait. I have not and will not get a room ready for the child until I know for sure some solid info. I will keep everyone posted as things progress. Good luck to all and hopefully we will hear good news soon on your situations!! Thanks, Gena

The fact you are willing to go into a place where children were left, abandoned (for whatever reason)- shows what a special person you are. I am so sorry for your miscarriages, how intensly sorrowful that must have been. There are many many children all over the world who desperately need someone like you. So no matter how difficult the wait- they are worth it. I am beginning to believe that having the right attorney in Panama means everything. Some are in, some just are not. And I think a few are very driven to find good homes for these needy children-- that is the kind of lawyer I hope you have. How wonderful , you were able to meet and converse with your attorney in person. You should have a gut feeling if this is a driving force for him/her. You keep your chin up!! We have been at this while, and are getting closer- when I really get down, my best friend reminds me that the upset stomach and headache will pass-- stay the course! What is your child's alternative?! THAT has kept me focused. Y