Feeling more hopeful today

Well, it seems when a bunch of freaked-out adoptive parents start an email/phone call campaign, it has an effect! The DOS issued a revised statement today, which contained the following new - and comforting - language:

"At this time, over 3000 applications for adoption from Guatemala are in process with USCIS or the Guatemala government. The U.S. government is asking the Government of Guatemala to allow such cases, now pending, to proceed to completion without additional requirements."

As one of my Adoption.com "forum friends" said, "Why the %#&*! didn't they say that in the first place?! Granted, it is no guarantee, but it is a big relief to hear that our government is going to bat for us.

I also had an epiphany last night: After we get out of PGN, it takes about 2 weeks to get Daniel's new Guatemalan birth certificate and passport. But that's where the Guatamalan process ends; all the steps after that are U.S. (the 2nd DNA test, final paperwork and Embassy appointment). So it seemed to me that as long as we get through the birth certificate/passport part by Dec. 31, we should be fine even if the rest of the process goes into next year. I called my agency to confirm, and she said "With the information we have now, that seems logical."

She also said we should know more about our case in about 2 weeks. Usually at about 8 weeks in PGN, you either hear that you're "out," or that have a "previo" and have to fix something. We're thinking positive thoughts that we will be in the "out" category!

Anyway, we will keep you posted if we hear anything more. Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes, they mean a lot to Eric and me!