Hey, pay attention! All someone did here is post a link to a news story. And note that news story mentioned a police investigation.
So where are you getting this illogical leap that the poster had a failed adoption, agreed to any payment terms or were given any rules to follow? There is no info in the post you responded to to make those kinds of assumptions at all. Link to a news story and some of the content and that's all you had to go on in your misguided personal attack message. This is a forum to support adoptive families, not agency owners.
I give only one star. Zero stars are not an option. This is an agency owner who lost her license in one state before and has repeated violations in the state of GA.
A more logical conclusion is a reporter researches a story so it is accurate. DCF would not have issued two cease and desist orders without evidence to support that decision. The cops would not have met with DCF unless something serious was discovered in DCF's investigation. The real question is not if the adoptive families knew the rules. The real question is if ABW knew the rules and broke them. Cease and Desist order is pretty indictive of a rule violation, isn't it?
I am a abw client. It has been a bumpy and painful road. I do not believe the staff and the director are malicious, I do believe they are inexperienced and not professional. The ironic thing , is I first chose a smaller agency in hopes of keeping things on a personal basis , not wanting to just be a "client" with a larger agency. Now I long to have an agency who is in control and knows what is going on. I believe the abw staff have good intentions, but are currupt by association and if they get backed into a corner, might behave in a way that is not productive , professional or helpful. I keep seeing and hearing excuses that "all " agencies are having problems. Okay....but I didn't chose the other agencies, I chose this one and now we are waiting to see if our adoption will ever happen. If I have mistaken, and we have been lied to, I know that the world works in such a way that we reap what we sow. We went into this adoption seeking God's will. We wanted to make the world a little better, if only one child at a time. If our trust and our hope were taken for granted. It will return full circle.
Another segment will be airing tonight. Just my opinion, but if FL DCF is meeting with law enforcement, this agency needs to be very closely examined by any potential clients.
I used to think the director had lost her way, but now it seems the way is to get more money for her and no children for the clients. For the past 4 years, whenever I heard anyone using one of her agencies, I would get shivvers up and down my spine. I asked if they googled her name, hoped they spelled it correctly and prayed they had not given money or signed a contract. She is getting what she deserves and I hope she gets everything coming to her. Do I feel sorry for her children? Of course - they will never have an appropriate role model.
I really wish this site would have existed when I began looking for an adoption agency last year. We are currently in the process of adopting from Guatemala. The process has been bumpy to say the least. Much of my experience thus far has been the same as "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed." It has been a long road and I'm not sure when it will be over. We had very good experiences with them in the beginning - when we were accepting referrals and completing our paperwork. However it went completely downhill from there. The lack of communication and care has been almost unbearable. We get very few calls/updates and only after we have asked many times. Most calls/emails are not returned, especially when things are tense. There are some very good agencies out there. Be wary of ABW if you want prompt information and a real resource during your adoption. I also was not aware of the Tedi Bear Adoptions issue until months into our adoption. Definitely worth researching...
I have contemplated writing this review based on the fact that when you read it you will either understand why i wrote the review or you will feel i am a disgruntle client. Unfortunately i am the later. I will begin by stating i have two wonderful kids through Adoption Blessings Worldwide (ABW). I wish i could tell you how wonderful the experience was, but that would be the furthest from the truth. To begin ABW lost or misplaced numerous paperwork, information and items needed for the adoption process. Many times inflicting more financial burdens upon my family. I would receive updates that never happened. Then they would refused to look in to this matter even after i gave them information and proof of the alleged lies. As long as i did not rock the boat or questioned anything they were wonderful. The minute things started to go wrong and i needed answers or just reassurrance they would not return my calls or emails. Finally when Tedi and members of her staff had to deal with me they were rude and belittling they would make comments that i was not really interested ,that i was given up on my child and that i did not care. I care so much and i still mourn the outcome that i do not want anyone else to have to live through what my family and i have and still do everyday. I know the final decision is yours to make . I just wish someone would have cared enough to tell the truth. Honestly i may still have accepted the referral but i would have had something to think about before taking this huge and very important step. Last but not least..this information is for those who do not know (like myself at the time)Adoption Blessings Worldwide is ran by the same person as Tedi Bear Adoption Agency once out of Florida. The decision is yours to make be sure your informed.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
WWJD, your comment is so offensive to me and I imagine many others. You are wrong...Tedi does give up on children...she gave up on not one, but two of my referrals. I dont know Tedi personally and I dont wish to at this point as she have stolen money from us, cheated and lied.
I am concerned that Tedi continues to not accept responsibility for her actions and lies to those of you that know her so well...when the truth comes out you will be as disappointed as the rest of us and I am sad for that.
I havent 'ran' to an attorney yet and have given Tedi a year and a half to 'fix' things.
I am so happy for you and your friends that have gotten your children home...thats what is supposed to happen...but it hasnt for me and my husband.
WE havent given up, but each day Tedi does nothing to help us, she whittles away our savings so when our child does make it home, he will not have the financial security he would have had before she gave up on him and worried only about her own adoption.
For those interested in the attorney handling the class action suit (civil RICO), you can contact Joni Fixel at Fixel Law Offices at (517) 332-3390 http://fixellawoffices.com/ Ms. Fixel is also the attorney who is handling Waiting Angels and Orson Mozes cases and is very experienced with these types of disputes. There is power in numbers, and other victims and their families encourage anyone interested in joining the suit to call Joni Fixel for a consultation.
You are also encouraged to contact FL DCFS as well, and GA DCF and file a complaint against ABW and Tedi Hedstrom. If you believe you have been defrauded, you are not alone. Please join together with other victims to help see justice.
is documented findings from the Georgia Licensing department, ORS on complaints, allegations and violations against Adoption Blessings Worldwide for three consecutive years. Even up until yesterday, ORS has continued to receive new complaints against ABW.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
Sadly enough we ALL have to experience both life's joys and heartaches. As a Child of God we all know that God does not give us more than we can handle. While the Hedstrom family puts their heartaches out there through letters to the families and friends for the public to know and to sympathize with them as any parent, grandparent or child should and would, lest not forget that we all have losses; some of us have lost our parents, husbands and children. Those losses do not give us a right to not be held accountable for the choices we have made. We will continue to lift the Hedstrom family up in our prayers as we continue to seek answers and justice in our child's adoption.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
Her heart ? What ? Ruin? You must have meant ruin these and other families hopes , dreams , and lives.
What about the growing numbers of families thats hearts are breaking , their bank accounts and nursaries are empty, and they are doing everything they can just to get through the day? Not to even mention how very lonely and difficult the nights are.
The one thing that these families all have in common is HER and HER agency.
Rules ? Again you must be talking about the great job WTLV has done providing the firstcoast with the FACTS that ABW not only knows and is aware of, but continues to blantanly defy.
As forth as agreed to pay for it? IT as you so hurtfully put it, is not coming home to IT's forever family. I will never kiss IT's hurts, hug IT, comfort IT when IT cries, laught at IT's little jokes. IT will not hear the heart felt fun argument of Mamma's girl/boy or Daddy's girl/boy. IT is not an it to us IT is our child. We agreed to pay for laughter, the pitter patter of feet, the good the bad and the inbetweens. Most of all we did all this for a child that we wanted to not only give a better life to but also our love.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
I adopted my son in 2006 from ABW and have only wonderful things to say about this company. I have found the ladies at ABW very professional and understanding when it came time for me to ask questions and having that feeling of "is it ever going to happen." I feel really bad for those that have a bad experience. I was with another agency before ABW and either 5 or 7 of their employees were indicted on fraud. Of course I didn't know this until after my $5,000 check had cleared. Before going with anyone, you need to pray about the company and the Lord will give you an answer. It may not be in the time table you want, but in the Lord's time. Good luck to all those still waiting. It will happen and when it does all of the stressful times will seem insignificant.
I adopted my daughter from ABW years ago. She cannot wait to see Tedi at the biyearly reunion parties. My daughter has gotten to watch over the years how her friends have grown up, and this is her only tie to other children who were born in her country. I heard these parties cannot even continue because someone complained and said they were recruitment parties. I can't ever remember a family being recruited at these reunions. It is a time to see everyone you saw the last year and compare stories. Many of my friends used this agency also, but most are single moms who don't have time for the computer much any more. Otherwise, I think you would see this as a much more balanced list. The same people keep trashing Tedi and ABW over and over. And yes, she did have one personal adoption that took over five years and she never gave up on the child. Get your facts straight. And her agency was licensed in Georgia since 1999, she did not just go over the state line and start another agency.
The biggest problem I have found is that the people who truly KNOW Tedi love her, but the ones who do not know her well or who jump on the bandwagon of other bitter people and their agendas, and get caught up in their frenzy. I think Tedi has had just about enough. Tedi NEVER GIVES UP ON ANY ONE especially a child. I think this is great, but also causes problems for her in business. If some of you had given her an opportunity to keep working with you before you hired attorneys and tried to destroy her on first coast news, you might all be in a better place now.
I hope everyones children come home. I know this is a stressful time.
I just know that the ABW I used and the one you all are talking about are two different agencies. I wanted to adopt again through ABW in Guatemala, but they were not taking clients because it was close to the end of the year. My three keep me busy enough anyway.
WWJD
I have adopted 3 children through ABW. My first was in 2005-2006 it was a great adoption, it was actually the dream adoption on the agencies behalf, what took alittle longer was the fact that our states USCIS office closed & we had to transfer everything over to another state...but anyways they did a extremely wonderful job & I had lots of updates & pictures. My last 2 adoptions have been alittle on the crazy side but it's not the agencies issues, it's on the Guatemala side. With all the new changing laws that have happened over the last year it has thrown a wrench into many peoples adoptions. Also because of the craziness people are more worried about getting cases processed as quickly as they can so they don't send very many updates to the agency as what they used to, the agency can't send updates if they aren't given updates, they can't try to get updates but you can't guarantee them if the people in Guatemala don't give them... And yes sometimes it is difficult to get ahold of someone when things are crazy because the ladies at ABW are so busy on the other line of the phone or on the computer trying to get ahold of the Guatemala people trying to get whatever problem fixed & solved. I truly love working with ABW for the adoption of my children, it's great to know I'm going to always be talking to the same people & that they completely understand what I’m going through. I love that when I call they know my name & who I am; I’m not just another case number or faceless person. I love that I can call them just to chitchat when I’m feeling stressed. I love the passion that they have to find all these children a home & to get them home. And I love how hard they work to keep everyone on the case to keep moving. I love that no matter what horrible things are said about them they keep trudging through it to get all our kids home. I believe ABWs only problem is that they were too trusting & picked a bad facilitator to work with. I truly appreciate everything that they have done for my family & I feel that we should remember that no matter what agency you work with to try to remember to have patience adoptions take time and I know we all get super anxious to have our kids home but they can only work so fast & are at the mercy of the facilitators & lawyers. I will always recommend ABW to everyone I meet.
I have two children adopted internationally with Tedi Hedstrom. We were extremly pleased. Yes, international adoption is stressful. You are totally out of control. But, as with our biological children there are bumps. We found our experiences to be wonderful and would not trade the experience for anything. Tedi has a huge heart and I totally trust her. She has placed hundreds of children and I would assume most like us are extremly pleased. Unfortunatly you only hear the bad stories. Why not think about all the children who have been placed in loving homes and the families who are so blessed by her helping them.
Most of these children are from third world countries and let's face it they do not do business like we do. It is a totally different culture. If you want to adopt internationally you need to realize that it is TOTALLY different that the United States. Again, you have to work with them, not against them. I have great respect for Tedi Hedstrom. She is an awsome woman and great mother.
We have been in contact with several other adoptive parents that have adopted children from Guatemala thru other agencies. Everyone seems to have a story of delays and upsets, no matter what agency was used. We have to realize we are adopting children from other countries and we have to work within their guidelines not ours. Many of the delays and upsets that we experienced (and just about everyone does) were a combination of changes within the Guatamalan government and our own government. We experienced just as many delays with Homeland Security as we did with the PGN. ABW always seemed to able to give us an answer for the delays and give us emotional support to keep on. After all, most of the ABW workers have adopted their children and experienced the same ups and downs as any one else. Many of the other couples that adopted thru other agencies could not say their agency was supportive or could answer the why questions?
We were matched with our princess from Guatemala on the 4th of July 2007. She was a waiting child and we chose her. Our dossier went to Guatemala in Sept. and we travelled in March 2008. Everyone needs to understand that the process in Guatemala really stinks right now and has for several months. This is NOT the agency's fault. The only disappointment really was the lack of response to e-mails. I did question this and it's not that they don't care or didn't do anything with the e-mails. If ABW doesn't get replies from the facilitators in Guatemala, they don't have an answer for the e-mail. I suggested they reply even if they don't have an answer just to let the family know they are at least looking into things. The director has the biggest heart and has personally adopted 15 children plus she has 3 grown bio sons. She too is actually in the process of adopting a baby girl from Guat and is having problems like most everyone else. I"m guessing if there was something she could do personally, she would do everything in her power to get her child home and I assure you she is! I've adopted 4 kids now using 3 different agencies and I don't know anyone from the other agencies that make monthly visits to Guatemala to make sure cases are moving and Tedi does this! I've read things out there that are not in favor of ABW but we personally had a great experience. In fact, I've asked them to help us locate a young child with Down syndrome to adopt. I do know that at one time, 4 of the agencies employees were adopting a total of 6 kids from Guatemala. So far, only 1 has come home and a second will be home this Saturday. Everyone is doing everything they can to get ALL the kids home no matter who is adopting them. I hope this helps ease the minds of some of you out there. Good luck to you all and God Bless!
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Reviews
To "anaon"
Hey, pay attention! All someone did here is post a link to a news story. And note that news story mentioned a police investigation.
So where are you getting this illogical leap that the poster had a failed adoption, agreed to any payment terms or were given any rules to follow? There is no info in the post you responded to to make those kinds of assumptions at all. Link to a news story and some of the content and that's all you had to go on in your misguided personal attack message. This is a forum to support adoptive families, not agency owners.
I give only one star. Zero stars are not an option. This is an agency owner who lost her license in one state before and has repeated violations in the state of GA.
A more logical conclusion is a reporter researches a story so it is accurate. DCF would not have issued two cease and desist orders without evidence to support that decision. The cops would not have met with DCF unless something serious was discovered in DCF's investigation. The real question is not if the adoptive families knew the rules. The real question is if ABW knew the rules and broke them. Cease and Desist order is pretty indictive of a rule violation, isn't it?
what can be said...?
I am a abw client. It has been a bumpy and painful road. I do not believe the staff and the director are malicious, I do believe they are inexperienced and not professional. The ironic thing , is I first chose a smaller agency in hopes of keeping things on a personal basis , not wanting to just be a "client" with a larger agency. Now I long to have an agency who is in control and knows what is going on. I believe the abw staff have good intentions, but are currupt by association and if they get backed into a corner, might behave in a way that is not productive , professional or helpful. I keep seeing and hearing excuses that "all " agencies are having problems. Okay....but I didn't chose the other agencies, I chose this one and now we are waiting to see if our adoption will ever happen. If I have mistaken, and we have been lied to, I know that the world works in such a way that we reap what we sow. We went into this adoption seeking God's will. We wanted to make the world a little better, if only one child at a time. If our trust and our hope were taken for granted. It will return full circle.
oh, really, see this news story
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=10962...
Another segment will be airing tonight. Just my opinion, but if FL DCF is meeting with law enforcement, this agency needs to be very closely examined by any potential clients.
Agency is hurting families across US, not just illegally in FL
I used to think the director had lost her way, but now it seems the way is to get more money for her and no children for the clients. For the past 4 years, whenever I heard anyone using one of her agencies, I would get shivvers up and down my spine. I asked if they googled her name, hoped they spelled it correctly and prayed they had not given money or signed a contract. She is getting what she deserves and I hope she gets everything coming to her. Do I feel sorry for her children? Of course - they will never have an appropriate role model.
Here is the latest:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=109783T
The Hague Accreditation list of who was denied just came out. No surprise, but ABW was DENIED accreditation.
http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/convention/convention_ 4240.html
Adoption is a welcome blessing to a family. Check out and find the best agency to lead you to your child.
Wish I would have known...
I really wish this site would have existed when I began looking for an adoption agency last year. We are currently in the process of adopting from Guatemala. The process has been bumpy to say the least. Much of my experience thus far has been the same as "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed." It has been a long road and I'm not sure when it will be over. We had very good experiences with them in the beginning - when we were accepting referrals and completing our paperwork. However it went completely downhill from there. The lack of communication and care has been almost unbearable. We get very few calls/updates and only after we have asked many times. Most calls/emails are not returned, especially when things are tense. There are some very good agencies out there. Be wary of ABW if you want prompt information and a real resource during your adoption. I also was not aware of the Tedi Bear Adoptions issue until months into our adoption. Definitely worth researching...
Not the Blessing you think
I have contemplated writing this review based on the fact that when you read it you will either understand why i wrote the review or you will feel i am a disgruntle client. Unfortunately i am the later. I will begin by stating i have two wonderful kids through Adoption Blessings Worldwide (ABW). I wish i could tell you how wonderful the experience was, but that would be the furthest from the truth. To begin ABW lost or misplaced numerous paperwork, information and items needed for the adoption process. Many times inflicting more financial burdens upon my family. I would receive updates that never happened. Then they would refused to look in to this matter even after i gave them information and proof of the alleged lies. As long as i did not rock the boat or questioned anything they were wonderful. The minute things started to go wrong and i needed answers or just reassurrance they would not return my calls or emails. Finally when Tedi and members of her staff had to deal with me they were rude and belittling they would make comments that i was not really interested ,that i was given up on my child and that i did not care. I care so much and i still mourn the outcome that i do not want anyone else to have to live through what my family and i have and still do everyday. I know the final decision is yours to make . I just wish someone would have cared enough to tell the truth. Honestly i may still have accepted the referral but i would have had something to think about before taking this huge and very important step. Last but not least..this information is for those who do not know (like myself at the time)Adoption Blessings Worldwide is ran by the same person as Tedi Bear Adoption Agency once out of Florida. The decision is yours to make be sure your informed.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
WWJD
WWJD, your comment is so offensive to me and I imagine many others. You are wrong...Tedi does give up on children...she gave up on not one, but two of my referrals. I dont know Tedi personally and I dont wish to at this point as she have stolen money from us, cheated and lied.
I am concerned that Tedi continues to not accept responsibility for her actions and lies to those of you that know her so well...when the truth comes out you will be as disappointed as the rest of us and I am sad for that.
I havent 'ran' to an attorney yet and have given Tedi a year and a half to 'fix' things.
I am so happy for you and your friends that have gotten your children home...thats what is supposed to happen...but it hasnt for me and my husband.
WE havent given up, but each day Tedi does nothing to help us, she whittles away our savings so when our child does make it home, he will not have the financial security he would have had before she gave up on him and worried only about her own adoption.
Attorney Handling ABW Class Action
For those interested in the attorney handling the class action suit (civil RICO), you can contact Joni Fixel at Fixel Law Offices at (517) 332-3390 http://fixellawoffices.com/ Ms. Fixel is also the attorney who is handling Waiting Angels and Orson Mozes cases and is very experienced with these types of disputes. There is power in numbers, and other victims and their families encourage anyone interested in joining the suit to call Joni Fixel for a consultation.
You are also encouraged to contact FL DCFS as well, and GA DCF and file a complaint against ABW and Tedi Hedstrom. If you believe you have been defrauded, you are not alone. Please join together with other victims to help see justice.
We are in the same predicament !!
ABW, or mainly its owner continues to disappoint...anyone wanting support through their mess, feel free to contact me abwclient@gmail.com
I pray your children get home soon xxx
And the truth will set you free...
I have decided to include the following link because you can not argue with the FACTS.
What you will find at this web site :
http://cribsandcrimes.blogspot.com/
is documented findings from the Georgia Licensing department, ORS on complaints, allegations and violations against Adoption Blessings Worldwide for three consecutive years. Even up until yesterday, ORS has continued to receive new complaints against ABW.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
Life's Heartaches
Sadly enough we ALL have to experience both life's joys and heartaches. As a Child of God we all know that God does not give us more than we can handle. While the Hedstrom family puts their heartaches out there through letters to the families and friends for the public to know and to sympathize with them as any parent, grandparent or child should and would, lest not forget that we all have losses; some of us have lost our parents, husbands and children. Those losses do not give us a right to not be held accountable for the choices we have made. We will continue to lift the Hedstrom family up in our prayers as we continue to seek answers and justice in our child's adoption.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
Trying to breath
Her heart ? What ? Ruin? You must have meant ruin these and other families hopes , dreams , and lives.
What about the growing numbers of families thats hearts are breaking , their bank accounts and nursaries are empty, and they are doing everything they can just to get through the day? Not to even mention how very lonely and difficult the nights are.
The one thing that these families all have in common is HER and HER agency.
Rules ? Again you must be talking about the great job WTLV has done providing the firstcoast with the FACTS that ABW not only knows and is aware of, but continues to blantanly defy.
As forth as agreed to pay for it? IT as you so hurtfully put it, is not coming home to IT's forever family. I will never kiss IT's hurts, hug IT, comfort IT when IT cries, laught at IT's little jokes. IT will not hear the heart felt fun argument of Mamma's girl/boy or Daddy's girl/boy. IT is not an it to us IT is our child. We agreed to pay for laughter, the pitter patter of feet, the good the bad and the inbetweens. Most of all we did all this for a child that we wanted to not only give a better life to but also our love.
No matter what comes our way we are all "2 Blessed 2 Be Stressed"
WOW! I'm shocked
I adopted my son in 2006 from ABW and have only wonderful things to say about this company. I have found the ladies at ABW very professional and understanding when it came time for me to ask questions and having that feeling of "is it ever going to happen." I feel really bad for those that have a bad experience. I was with another agency before ABW and either 5 or 7 of their employees were indicted on fraud. Of course I didn't know this until after my $5,000 check had cleared. Before going with anyone, you need to pray about the company and the Lord will give you an answer. It may not be in the time table you want, but in the Lord's time. Good luck to all those still waiting. It will happen and when it does all of the stressful times will seem insignificant.
ABW
I adopted my daughter from ABW years ago. She cannot wait to see Tedi at the biyearly reunion parties. My daughter has gotten to watch over the years how her friends have grown up, and this is her only tie to other children who were born in her country. I heard these parties cannot even continue because someone complained and said they were recruitment parties. I can't ever remember a family being recruited at these reunions. It is a time to see everyone you saw the last year and compare stories. Many of my friends used this agency also, but most are single moms who don't have time for the computer much any more. Otherwise, I think you would see this as a much more balanced list. The same people keep trashing Tedi and ABW over and over. And yes, she did have one personal adoption that took over five years and she never gave up on the child. Get your facts straight. And her agency was licensed in Georgia since 1999, she did not just go over the state line and start another agency.
The biggest problem I have found is that the people who truly KNOW Tedi love her, but the ones who do not know her well or who jump on the bandwagon of other bitter people and their agendas, and get caught up in their frenzy. I think Tedi has had just about enough. Tedi NEVER GIVES UP ON ANY ONE especially a child. I think this is great, but also causes problems for her in business. If some of you had given her an opportunity to keep working with you before you hired attorneys and tried to destroy her on first coast news, you might all be in a better place now.
I hope everyones children come home. I know this is a stressful time.
I just know that the ABW I used and the one you all are talking about are two different agencies. I wanted to adopt again through ABW in Guatemala, but they were not taking clients because it was close to the end of the year. My three keep me busy enough anyway.
WWJD
highly recommend
I have adopted 3 children through ABW. My first was in 2005-2006 it was a great adoption, it was actually the dream adoption on the agencies behalf, what took alittle longer was the fact that our states USCIS office closed & we had to transfer everything over to another state...but anyways they did a extremely wonderful job & I had lots of updates & pictures. My last 2 adoptions have been alittle on the crazy side but it's not the agencies issues, it's on the Guatemala side. With all the new changing laws that have happened over the last year it has thrown a wrench into many peoples adoptions. Also because of the craziness people are more worried about getting cases processed as quickly as they can so they don't send very many updates to the agency as what they used to, the agency can't send updates if they aren't given updates, they can't try to get updates but you can't guarantee them if the people in Guatemala don't give them... And yes sometimes it is difficult to get ahold of someone when things are crazy because the ladies at ABW are so busy on the other line of the phone or on the computer trying to get ahold of the Guatemala people trying to get whatever problem fixed & solved. I truly love working with ABW for the adoption of my children, it's great to know I'm going to always be talking to the same people & that they completely understand what I’m going through. I love that when I call they know my name & who I am; I’m not just another case number or faceless person. I love that I can call them just to chitchat when I’m feeling stressed. I love the passion that they have to find all these children a home & to get them home. And I love how hard they work to keep everyone on the case to keep moving. I love that no matter what horrible things are said about them they keep trudging through it to get all our kids home. I believe ABWs only problem is that they were too trusting & picked a bad facilitator to work with. I truly appreciate everything that they have done for my family & I feel that we should remember that no matter what agency you work with to try to remember to have patience adoptions take time and I know we all get super anxious to have our kids home but they can only work so fast & are at the mercy of the facilitators & lawyers. I will always recommend ABW to everyone I meet.
Adoption Blessings Worldwide
I have two children adopted internationally with Tedi Hedstrom. We were extremly pleased. Yes, international adoption is stressful. You are totally out of control. But, as with our biological children there are bumps. We found our experiences to be wonderful and would not trade the experience for anything. Tedi has a huge heart and I totally trust her. She has placed hundreds of children and I would assume most like us are extremly pleased. Unfortunatly you only hear the bad stories. Why not think about all the children who have been placed in loving homes and the families who are so blessed by her helping them.
Most of these children are from third world countries and let's face it they do not do business like we do. It is a totally different culture. If you want to adopt internationally you need to realize that it is TOTALLY different that the United States. Again, you have to work with them, not against them. I have great respect for Tedi Hedstrom. She is an awsome woman and great mother.
Guatemalan adoptions
We have been in contact with several other adoptive parents that have adopted children from Guatemala thru other agencies. Everyone seems to have a story of delays and upsets, no matter what agency was used. We have to realize we are adopting children from other countries and we have to work within their guidelines not ours. Many of the delays and upsets that we experienced (and just about everyone does) were a combination of changes within the Guatamalan government and our own government. We experienced just as many delays with Homeland Security as we did with the PGN. ABW always seemed to able to give us an answer for the delays and give us emotional support to keep on. After all, most of the ABW workers have adopted their children and experienced the same ups and downs as any one else. Many of the other couples that adopted thru other agencies could not say their agency was supportive or could answer the why questions?
Would Do It Again
We were matched with our princess from Guatemala on the 4th of July 2007. She was a waiting child and we chose her. Our dossier went to Guatemala in Sept. and we travelled in March 2008. Everyone needs to understand that the process in Guatemala really stinks right now and has for several months. This is NOT the agency's fault. The only disappointment really was the lack of response to e-mails. I did question this and it's not that they don't care or didn't do anything with the e-mails. If ABW doesn't get replies from the facilitators in Guatemala, they don't have an answer for the e-mail. I suggested they reply even if they don't have an answer just to let the family know they are at least looking into things. The director has the biggest heart and has personally adopted 15 children plus she has 3 grown bio sons. She too is actually in the process of adopting a baby girl from Guat and is having problems like most everyone else. I"m guessing if there was something she could do personally, she would do everything in her power to get her child home and I assure you she is! I've adopted 4 kids now using 3 different agencies and I don't know anyone from the other agencies that make monthly visits to Guatemala to make sure cases are moving and Tedi does this! I've read things out there that are not in favor of ABW but we personally had a great experience. In fact, I've asked them to help us locate a young child with Down syndrome to adopt. I do know that at one time, 4 of the agencies employees were adopting a total of 6 kids from Guatemala. So far, only 1 has come home and a second will be home this Saturday. Everyone is doing everything they can to get ALL the kids home no matter who is adopting them. I hope this helps ease the minds of some of you out there. Good luck to you all and God Bless!