The Passport and DOS Statement

Since we have left Guyana, we have been in direct contact with Jocelyn, Aria's foster mom via Whatsapp. We are able to text, call and video chat with her so we can see our sweet little pea whenever we like! Aria had her stitches removed on Saturday and a follow-up appointment with Dr. Jabour, the pediatrician, per our request. We are trying to ensure she is being properly cared for by the private practice doctors during our absence. Jocelyn thought the appointment with Dr. Jabour was today, but it was actually scheduled for next week. Even though she didn't have an appointment today, Dr. Jabour still met with her briefly and was very pleased with how well Aria is recovering. Jocelyn will return to his office next week Monday for a more through exam.

Jocelyn also took Aria to the passport office today and was able to submit an application to get Aria's passport issued. She was told to come back on Friday to pick up the passport! We will need this to apply for a U.S. Visa.

Today, we received an email from our U.S. lawyer that the Department of State issued a statement regarding Guyana Transition Cases:

"With reference to our Adoption Notice dated June 1, 2019, Guyana has confirmed that it will continue to process certain adoption cases under the non-Convention process in effect prior to June 1. These cases are those in which a U.S. citizen filed a Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, or a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, prior to June 1, 2019, or in which a final adoption was completed prior to June 1, 2019. CI will continue to coordinate with Guyanese authorities on issues related to “transition cases” and Guyana’s accession to the Hague Adoption Convention." 

This is good news and confirming what we were told via conference call that our adoption would proceed as planned. We are happy to have it documented in writing!

Friday is a big day for us in Guyana. Our lawyer is submitting our case to the courts to ask that we be granted legal guardianship of Aria. We need to be granted guardianship in order to apply for a temporary U.S. non-immigrant visa so that Aria can come home before the adoption is finalized.

We are missing our sweet pea like crazy and very concerned about her well being. Please continue praying for Aria's health and safety and that the courts will grant us guardianship. It is the first big hurdle we must overcome to get Aria home quickly.