Dave and Maria
Aaron home from Guatemala 2/03
We were first introduced to Adoption Associates in 1999 when we decided to begin our family through domestic infant adoption. We contacted numerous agencies, but returned to Adoption Associates, due to their positive reinforcement. They assured us that it was not a matter of “if” we became parents, but a matter of “when.” Our first dream came true a year later when our beautiful daughter, Christina, was placed into our arms for the first time.
As time went on, we yearned to add another child to our family. As older parents (we were both 45 years old with our first child), we felt we would have better success going through the international program. At the Adoption Associates information meeting, we learned that in domestic adoption the parents are waiting for children—in the international program, the children are waiting for parents. After hearing those words, we felt international was the path for us to follow.
We researched the numerous countries that Adoption Associates had to offer, and we chose Guatemala. We were impressed with the fact that the children were taken care of in private foster homes, as opposed to an orphanage. Another factor that entered into our decision was the fact that the travel time could be as short as 3 to 4 days, which meant we would not have to leave our daughter for long periods of time. We were sold!
Once our application was made, Adoption Associates led the way with our second adoption. We received a very detail-oriented notebook that explained the entire process from start to finish. We shifted into high gear and gathered all of the necessary documents in order to expedite our part of the process. With the paperwork behind us, we received that very special phone call telling us that a baby boy was available to us. That was the day that Aaron first came into our lives. The rest is history …
Our family is now complete with two beautiful children. We enjoy sharing our story with others in hopes that it may help a family in making their decision to adopt.
