Phone Home, or Home Phoning!

Since our last update we were able to speak on the phone with Mason’s foster mother. She has been caring for children for many years. Often she takes care of two, but right now just has Mason. We were able to get to know her a little and thank her for caring for our son.

We learned some more about him and got some peace by knowing that he is well cared for. She reassured us that she would care for him well until we are able to come for him. He is sleeping and eating well. He is now 11 weeks old and growing. She said she sings to him and that he’s around a lot of family. He has a foster father, brother and two sisters, plus aunts, uncles and grandparents. He is easy going and doesn’t let much bother him. As first time parents, we hope this demeanor continues! :)

We will be getting a new update and pictures in the next two weeks. Of course we are very excited to see them and find out when we can travel to visit. We are also hoping that a more “official” statement will be made about continuing Guatemalan adoptions. What we have seen lately looks positive but we are still holding our breath.

Recent News

A lot has happened since our last post. Many concerned people have voiced their concerns to government officials in both the US and Guatemala. Thank you to all who helped us out by sending emails, making phone calls, etc... It is looking good for the adoptions in process, but we will have no confirmation until the Guatemalan Congress votes in November. There is a lot of information available concerning this. If you are interested check out the links, some are new.

On the brighter side, we are preparing to call the foster family this week. We are nervous and excited to do this. Alisha has also started painting furniture. We sent a package that should be arriving soon. We sent some toys, clothes, and a letter to the foster family written in Spanish.

Thanks for the support,

Casa Ramirez

As you read in our previous posting, there has been some bad news concerning Guatemalan adoptions. The statements that have been made affect 5000 families in the process of adoption. This could potentially leave 5000 children without permanent homes. We are trying to come together as one unified voice to influence the outrageous threats being made. We are also asking that you help by doing some of the following things.



Online Petition from Focus on Adoption: http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html

How can you participate in Guatemala 5000 initiative (see below or click on link) http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm#Participate

How YOU can participate in the Guatemala 5000 Initiative

Make six simple phone calls and one email.

1. Call your U.S. Senator.
· You can find your Senators’ phone numbers at www.senate.gov
· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff

2. Call your second U.S. Senator.

3. Call your representative to the U.S. House of Representative.
· You can find your representative at www.house.gov
· Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff

4. Call or fax UNICEF Headquarters
· Ask to speak with Ann Veneman, Executive Director
· Their number is 212-326-7000
· Their fax number is 212-326-7758

5. Call or fax UNICEF Guatemala
· Ask to speak with Manuel Manrique
· Their number is 011-502-2327-6373
· Their fax number is 011-502-2327.6366
Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls.

7. Send and email supporting Intercountry Adoption to guatemala5000@jcics.org
· Write briefly or at length
· Joint Council will use the cumulative email petition in our advocacy for Intercountry Adoption

When should you call?
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (October 9th, 10th, 11th)
For maximum affect, we are asking you to make these calls within a 72 hour window!

Please email us if you have questions: alisharamirez@yahoo.com

Once again, thank you for your continued support!

Love, Juan and Alisha (and Mason)