The story of my adoption journey began in early January of 2002. I had finally made my decision that I would adopt an infant from Vietnam. On January 10th, 2002, my home study was done by Miriam Vieni of New York Home Study Service located in Westbury, New York.

Miriam strongly advised at the completion of my Home Study interview that I adopt a child from a country other than Vietnam because of imminent governmental interventions that could possibly pose a moratorium threat to
adoptions from Vietnam.

I decided to pursue my adoption regardless with the hopes that everything would work out. I was wrong. Towards the middle of February 2002, our government posted warnings of a very strong closedown threat because of the need for revamping the adoption policies between Vietnam and the United States.

I frantically called Miriam and asked for her advice. She again, suggested another country; specifically Guatemala and gave me April Coburn Viola's (Karing Angels International) telephone number.

I called April and she immediately sent me all the paperwork to get started. She also mentioned her upcoming trip to Guatemala (which she does periodically to meet with all of her attorneys and foster families to ensure the well-being of all the children to be adopted).

During her trip to Guatemala, my daughter's birthmother gave birth on March 8th, 2002. April called me the following day to ask if I would like the referral of this beautiful 6 lb 8 oz baby girl whom she had temporarily named Maria Estrella as the birthmom did not wish to name the baby.

I was so elated, I could not believe that this was happening so quickly, and was even more excited when, upon April's return, she sent me a video of this beautiful baby girl who was soon to become my daughter!

I made several trips to Guatemala during my adoption procedure because found it very difficult to be away from my child.

I traveled and brought Maria Estrella (my Elisabeth) home on August 29th. My entire adoption process took 5 1/2 months from the time of my referral.

Elisabeth turned one on March 8th, 2003. She is a very healthy, exuberant child and never stops smiling or giggling during her waking hours.

I am a typical biased, beaming mother that believes Elisabeth is the most beautiful baby on the face of the earth!
Words cannot describe the joy this child has brought to my life. She completes me.

MaryAnne Buckley