To Whom it May Concern:

Many times we hear of terrible things going on around us. Fire, flood, death, storms, etc. Even I have heard rumors of adoptions, or the process of, gone bad. Well, we have done this adoption thing and when it is done through the right channels, I can assure you of the blessings and joys of such a procedure. LIMLAR:USA facilitated our adoption process through the family court in Sao Paulo in Brasil in May 1997. All procedures were done above-board and in a professional manner. Although we were not well-off, there was never a problem of communication either with Nancy Cameron or her employees. They were most helpful in our stay (for five weeks) in Sao Paulo and led us through the court, passport procurements, and immigration requirements. Did they charge for this service? Yes, a modest fee nowhere near many I have heard of. Everything was included except living expenses. Even with that, we had help when a private home was found where we paid only for expenses.

Our three children, Elpidio (now Daniel), Ana Paula, and Leandro, had been well-prepared for our meeting and fit right into our family structure. We very much enjoyed our stay in Sao Paulo. People were very helpful and friendly. As we could not speak Portuguese, we needed and got that patience and help from the people of the city.

Our children had three strikes against them: they were in the orphanage for six years; they were older siblings; and there are three of them. According to new studies, this would create an overwhelming situation for new adoptive parents. Wrong! Our children have fit right into our immediate and extended families. We can take them anywhere and be very proud of them. Everyone comments on their actions and behaviors - all good, of course. There are times, however, when they wonder why they come with us, and times when they do get under our skin. Hey! They are kids! I remember a time or two when I did the same.

Of course, having said all this, there have been changes in their actions. Daniel, age twelve when in Brasil, according to friends there would not admit to anything done wrong and would lie his way out of anything. We were warned that he would be a real problem. We couldn't tell of this because of the language barrier.

However, when he found that he wasn't beaten or abused for anything done wrong and telling the truth actually had better consequences, then telling the truth was much better. He has grown into a young man we are very proud of. He is maturing very well for his age. He is very affectionate towards his mother; however, being all boy, he won't take too much of a hug from the old man.

Ana, age nine, had a very hard time leaving the orphanage. Why wouldn't she? That was the only family she knew for six years. The crying spells there and later at the court was her way of trying to get her way. It even raised concerns for the placement. However, it did not take us long to realize how much she could use this action for her own needs.   When this action was used on the street and everyone lost a privilege, like going to the park, she found that it didn't pay to holler at the top of her lungs. She has turned out to be a very warm and affectionate young lady.

Leandro, age six with a birthday in a week, was easy-going and seemed to fit in anywhere. That may have been a problem. However, we didn't make a big deal about it. He would go to or with anyone so it did take a little extra care to watch over him. He was, and still is, so full of energy and always on the go. No matter what time to bed, he is always first up and about.

My first impression at the orphanage was of three, bright children, smaller than I expected. The bright hasn't changed; however, the size surely has. Daniel, especially, will be a very large man. Ana has grown to above average size for her age. Leandro was a little longer showing much size change; it was so subtle that we didn't see the eight-inch jump. All the children have very good appetites and have never been sick outside of a two or three day bout with the flu or cold.

I feel there are many advantages to adopting a sibling group of older children. They are old enough to understand where they come from and where they want to go. They can care and console one another. Often one would understand what is tying to be said in those early days and impart it to the others.

Would we do it again?   The answer is yes. Through LIMIAR:USA, of course. We would like two girls and a boy this time just to even-up the family. There just seems to be the old problem of a way. If God has it in His plan, then it will happen.

Roy and Parn Ayers and Family

Bruce Mines, Ontario, Canada

January 5, 2000