After years of trying to get pregnant, we began researching adoption agencies in 2003. Commonwealth was at the top of our list when it came to how quickly they returned our phone calls, how professional and helpful they were, what they could offer, how upfront and honest they were. Everything they told us was true...the time frame (actually it was a little shorter), the cost, etc. Originally we signed with Colombia after talking with Raul but then we switched to Guatemala, a decision that was entirely God's plan. Commonwealth was helpful to us before signing (they answered a million of my questions), during the switch of countries, during the process, and afterwards. Even still, they've been so helpful to us-we were just on the phone with Hayley last week regarding adoptions from Taiwan. Probably the best part of our experience was with our WONDERFUL case worker, Susana. She knew EVERYTHING down to each detail of our process and answered every single question I had! I agree with the poster who said they she made them feel like her only client. Even the night we were packing to leave for Guatemala the next morning -I had a question at 12:30 a.m. and e-mailed her. She called me right back! We've dealt with other agencies and they did not call us back as quickly as Commonwealth has. Our stay in Guatemala was more than we could have ever asked for. Our coordinator was FANTASTIC! He walked us through each step of the process, making us feel comfortable and making sure we were safe. We have THE BEST little daughter in the whole world! While waiting to bring her home, we received monthly updates on her (medical reports and pictures) and even a video. She was well cared for and came to us smiling. She is still smiling and the joy of our lives. We don't know when we will do this again-I want a house full!! Thank you Commonwealth!!!!
Wow, I had quite a different experience. I had many questions the day before we traveled (Fall 2007), but it took 8 hours to get CAI to call me back during business hours because they were busy with meetings. When I got to Guatemala, the in country coordinator never contacted me like CAI said he would. I did find my foster mom in the lobby the 2nd day (at the designated time) and coordinator (who was supposed to translate) was still MIA. I had to track him down through the emergency number using the lobby's phone! The foster mom and I sat there for 45 minutes waiting for him, very very very awkward. We never saw the coordinator again after that.
We had the same experience as you. When we got to Guatemala we did not have anyone to help us. They even sent us to The US Embassy alone. I know this did not happen to all of the families that we know that used CAII but it happened to us. They are very inconsistent!
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We had a GREAT experience!
After years of trying to get pregnant, we began researching adoption agencies in 2003. Commonwealth was at the top of our list when it came to how quickly they returned our phone calls, how professional and helpful they were, what they could offer, how upfront and honest they were. Everything they told us was true...the time frame (actually it was a little shorter), the cost, etc. Originally we signed with Colombia after talking with Raul but then we switched to Guatemala, a decision that was entirely God's plan. Commonwealth was helpful to us before signing (they answered a million of my questions), during the switch of countries, during the process, and afterwards. Even still, they've been so helpful to us-we were just on the phone with Hayley last week regarding adoptions from Taiwan. Probably the best part of our experience was with our WONDERFUL case worker, Susana. She knew EVERYTHING down to each detail of our process and answered every single question I had! I agree with the poster who said they she made them feel like her only client. Even the night we were packing to leave for Guatemala the next morning -I had a question at 12:30 a.m. and e-mailed her. She called me right back! We've dealt with other agencies and they did not call us back as quickly as Commonwealth has. Our stay in Guatemala was more than we could have ever asked for. Our coordinator was FANTASTIC! He walked us through each step of the process, making us feel comfortable and making sure we were safe. We have THE BEST little daughter in the whole world! While waiting to bring her home, we received monthly updates on her (medical reports and pictures) and even a video. She was well cared for and came to us smiling. She is still smiling and the joy of our lives. We don't know when we will do this again-I want a house full!! Thank you Commonwealth!!!!
My experience was quite different.
Wow, I had quite a different experience. I had many questions the day before we traveled (Fall 2007), but it took 8 hours to get CAI to call me back during business hours because they were busy with meetings. When I got to Guatemala, the in country coordinator never contacted me like CAI said he would. I did find my foster mom in the lobby the 2nd day (at the designated time) and coordinator (who was supposed to translate) was still MIA. I had to track him down through the emergency number using the lobby's phone! The foster mom and I sat there for 45 minutes waiting for him, very very very awkward. We never saw the coordinator again after that.
"My experience was quite different"
We had the same experience as you. When we got to Guatemala we did not have anyone to help us. They even sent us to The US Embassy alone. I know this did not happen to all of the families that we know that used CAII but it happened to us. They are very inconsistent!