We have been researching different countries, programs, and agencies for months now. There are so many different aspects to consider, including: age requirements, ages of children, finances, wait time, sibling availability, childrens' needs, travel time, agencies, and so much more. Through this research- coupled with prayer- we decided that Honduras and Dillon International/Buckner Adoption & Maternity Services was the best match for us. And although we were open to adopting elsewhere, it will definitely help that Cuban Daddy is fluent in Spanish. G & K are learning from Daddy now, so hopefully in a few years, they will be able to communicate really well with #3 & #4! (*Mommy is learning along w/ them...or at least trying...) We're hoping this will make #3 & #4's transition a little easier for them!
We absolutely love the relationship that G & K have. At only 20 months apart in age, we love their closeness. We (okay, let's be honest, Georgia Peach) felt that two more would make this family complete. Two one way, two another. Seems just right to me. As for their genders, we will just have to see who God has planned for us. What a fun surprise that will be! As for their ages, they will be between 0 and 4 years old. It looks as if the children "#3" and "#4" will be home in 3-5 years. We aren't getting our hopes up, so we're planning on closer to the latter time. Therefore, we will have a 7-8 year old and a 5-6 year old at the time of referral/placement. What a full house! :)
Honduras Facts (as accurately as I could find):
- Second poorest country in Central America
- One of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere
- 28 % unemployment rate
- Infant mortality 20 deaths/1000 births
- Life expectancy 70 years
- Population 84 million
- 65% of people live under the poverty line
- Only 58% of primary aged children reach 5th grade
- Average person completes 5.4 years of school
- UNICEF estimates over 180,000 orphans
