Getting Started
By the end of the first day of my last semester of high school, I was feeling overwhelmed. Being the only new member of my Composition 111 class had left me feeling behind, and when a daunting research project was introduced I genuinely questioned whether or not I belonged there in the first place. However as we focused in on the purpose of the project, I realized that I had been in this spot before, and that this experience would shape how I approached what seemed like an impossible task.
In June of 2016, my family and I, along with members of our church, embarked on a mission trip to Guatemala in order to serve the children and workers in an orphanage in the secluded mountains. Although I was excited in the months leading up to the trip, by the time we had arrived in Central America, I was completely doubting our decision to come. After spending hours traveling, I was cold, hungry, tired, and missing the U.S. less than 24 hours after leaving. I became overwhelmed by the unknowns. How would my Spanish skills hold up? What if the kids hated me? Are we going to drive off the mountain (the roads were sketchy at best and mere inches away from the edge of cliffs)?
Two hours and twenty-five miles later, these fears instantly vanished as we arrived at the orphanage, Hogar de Vida. As we pulled up to the orphanage in the rain and pitch black, all of the kids were waiting for us at the gate. Dressed in their pajamas, each one literally taking bags and suitcases out of our hands to help carry (even if the luggage was bigger than them). Their laughs and willingly hearts made me remember my purpose in traveling to Guatemala, and I felt connected to each of them in a way I didn’t know was possible a mere 10 minutes before. As much as I had hope to make an impact in their lives, the kids and people of Hogar de Vida significantly changed mine for the better.
Because of this experience one rainy summer night, I knew that the task of producing an extensive research project was attainable. I also knew that my topic had to be related to Guatemala to capture my passion in a paper. Even though I was doubting my choices in scheduling classes, I felt a sense of calm in recognizing that I had overcome overwhelming tasks before.
With that, I decided to choose international adoption for my senior thesis in order to educate and share both the highs and lows of adoption experiences around the world. While my experience with orphans was positive, not all orphanages around the world, or even in Guatemala are legitimate. In recent years there has been a rise of fraudulent adoption agencies essentially trafficking children to families in America, who believe they are helping to provide a home. I am passionate about these children and am excited to bring that passion to writing.
By the end of the first day of my last semester of high school, I was feeling overwhelmed. Being the only new member of my Composition 111 class had left me feeling behind, and when a daunting research project was introduced I genuinely questioned whether or not I belonged there in the first place. However as we focused in on the purpose of the project, I realized that I had been in this spot before, and that this experience would shape how I approached what seemed like an impossible task.
In June of 2016, my family and I, along with members of our church, embarked on a mission trip to Guatemala in order to serve the children and workers in an orphanage in the secluded mountains. Although I was excited in the months leading up to the trip, by the time we had arrived in Central America, I was completely doubting our decision to come. After spending hours traveling, I was cold, hungry, tired, and missing the U.S. less than 24 hours after leaving. I became overwhelmed by the unknowns. How would my Spanish skills hold up? What if the kids hated me? Are we going to drive off the mountain (the roads were sketchy at best and mere inches away from the edge of cliffs)?
Two hours and twenty-five miles later, these fears instantly vanished as we arrived at the orphanage, Hogar de Vida. As we pulled up to the orphanage in the rain and pitch black, all of the kids were waiting for us at the gate. Dressed in their pajamas, each one literally taking bags and suitcases out of our hands to help carry (even if the luggage was bigger than them). Their laughs and willingly hearts made me remember my purpose in traveling to Guatemala, and I felt connected to each of them in a way I didn’t know was possible a mere 10 minutes before. As much as I had hope to make an impact in their lives, the kids and people of Hogar de Vida significantly changed mine for the better.
Because of this experience one rainy summer night, I knew that the task of producing an extensive research project was attainable. I also knew that my topic had to be related to Guatemala to capture my passion in a paper. Even though I was doubting my choices in scheduling classes, I felt a sense of calm in recognizing that I had overcome overwhelming tasks before.
With that, I decided to choose international adoption for my senior thesis in order to educate and share both the highs and lows of adoption experiences around the world. While my experience with orphans was positive, not all orphanages around the world, or even in Guatemala are legitimate. In recent years there has been a rise of fraudulent adoption agencies essentially trafficking children to families in America, who believe they are helping to provide a home. I am passionate about these children and am excited to bring that passion to writing.
The Cause
In June of 2016, I met a six year-old boy named Oscar. With a mischievous smile and contagious laugh, Oscar was just as likely to sneak a snack when we weren't looking as he was to climb up a tree for a flower to place in my hair. I met Oscar in an orphanage in Guatemala where he had lived for the past four years. He, however, was not an orphan, but unable to provide for him, his family had sent him to Hogar de Vida where I spent two weeks volunteering and caring for the children and workers.
The Huffington Post on March 15 2015 reports that nearly 90% of the estimated 143 million children in orphanages worldwide are not orphans at all, but rather have at least one living parent, meaning increasing cases of international adoption are becoming a means of child trafficking making millions of dollars for fraudulent corporations. In essence, a system created for good has become a business operation.
While stories of positive adoption experiences do exist, instances of illegitimate adoption are becoming the norm. Thirteen year old Tarikuma Lemma’s parents were shocked to discover that their new daughter had been stolen from her still living Ethiopian family. Lemma’s case is among many exploitations hidden under the facade of international adoption, caused in large by extreme poverty and misinformation.
According to Tarikuma Lemma, her family was scammed by a man who said her sisters and her were being sent to the US on a study program. In reality, they were adopted by an Arizona family who was told that her parents died of AIDS and the money exchanged was in the hands of her kidnapper. This seamless transaction was made possible by loose regulations and lack of scrutiny.
The Hague Adoption Convention propelled exploitation of international adoption with their loose regulations. According to the Show Hope Organization of June 6, 2014 the convention first passed in 1993 and has been ratified by a growing number of countries since. Their original purpose was to end corruption and make international adoption a last resort, while emphasizing internal government programs for children in need. The Convention understood the diverse nature of adoption and left countries to determine their own regulations. The strategy backfired, however, as lack of infrastructure actually promoted the exploitation of international adoption. Despite good intentions, the Hague convention failed to solve their prescribed issues, instead catalysing a sharp decline in international adoption.
Lack of government scrutiny is also to blame for the widespread exploitation. Officials overseeing the adoption rarely explore the root of exploitation creating what is known as the “boom-bust cycle”. This cycle occurs when one country “booms” with adoption, only to “bust” once corruption is discovered. According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs of Sept 30 2015, during the peak years of Guatemalan adoption, 1 out of every 100 children was being adopted internationally. After its system was “busted” after being deemed too corrupt to continue, the boom shifted to Ethiopia where adoptions surged from less than 900 in 2003 to 4,564 in 2013. This absence of investigation ensures corruption will only continue to flourish, leaving children like Oscar stuck in orphanages with no path to legitimate adoption.
In June of 2016, I met a six year-old boy named Oscar. With a mischievous smile and contagious laugh, Oscar was just as likely to sneak a snack when we weren't looking as he was to climb up a tree for a flower to place in my hair. I met Oscar in an orphanage in Guatemala where he had lived for the past four years. He, however, was not an orphan, but unable to provide for him, his family had sent him to Hogar de Vida where I spent two weeks volunteering and caring for the children and workers.
The Huffington Post on March 15 2015 reports that nearly 90% of the estimated 143 million children in orphanages worldwide are not orphans at all, but rather have at least one living parent, meaning increasing cases of international adoption are becoming a means of child trafficking making millions of dollars for fraudulent corporations. In essence, a system created for good has become a business operation.
While stories of positive adoption experiences do exist, instances of illegitimate adoption are becoming the norm. Thirteen year old Tarikuma Lemma’s parents were shocked to discover that their new daughter had been stolen from her still living Ethiopian family. Lemma’s case is among many exploitations hidden under the facade of international adoption, caused in large by extreme poverty and misinformation.
According to Tarikuma Lemma, her family was scammed by a man who said her sisters and her were being sent to the US on a study program. In reality, they were adopted by an Arizona family who was told that her parents died of AIDS and the money exchanged was in the hands of her kidnapper. This seamless transaction was made possible by loose regulations and lack of scrutiny.
The Hague Adoption Convention propelled exploitation of international adoption with their loose regulations. According to the Show Hope Organization of June 6, 2014 the convention first passed in 1993 and has been ratified by a growing number of countries since. Their original purpose was to end corruption and make international adoption a last resort, while emphasizing internal government programs for children in need. The Convention understood the diverse nature of adoption and left countries to determine their own regulations. The strategy backfired, however, as lack of infrastructure actually promoted the exploitation of international adoption. Despite good intentions, the Hague convention failed to solve their prescribed issues, instead catalysing a sharp decline in international adoption.
Lack of government scrutiny is also to blame for the widespread exploitation. Officials overseeing the adoption rarely explore the root of exploitation creating what is known as the “boom-bust cycle”. This cycle occurs when one country “booms” with adoption, only to “bust” once corruption is discovered. According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs of Sept 30 2015, during the peak years of Guatemalan adoption, 1 out of every 100 children was being adopted internationally. After its system was “busted” after being deemed too corrupt to continue, the boom shifted to Ethiopia where adoptions surged from less than 900 in 2003 to 4,564 in 2013. This absence of investigation ensures corruption will only continue to flourish, leaving children like Oscar stuck in orphanages with no path to legitimate adoption.
Changes
At the orphanage, I met a girl, Marta, with a birthday only seven days away from my own. At first, I was apprehensive of trying to make a connection with her and the other older girls because I was positive they judge my less than perfect Spanish skills. With the younger kids, there was never pressure to perform grammatically, but girls my age would want to engage in deeper conversation. I let my fears of embarrassing myself hold me back, and this was truly a mistake.
As I began to open up and really get to know Marta, I realized just how similar we were. Despite a language barrier, we were able to become friends in a short amount of time. We adapted to the challenges of different vocabularies quickly, and I felt as though I learned more Spanish in ten days than I had in three years of school. Through card games, piano lessons, and bracelet making, Marta and I were able to form a deep connection. We both shared a love of school and sense of humor, and despite living in completely different countries for all of our lives, we were able to connect on the things that define a friendship. On the last day of the trip, Marta gave me a picture (from an adult coloring book), with an inscription in English that read, “I love you Amelia!” This gift meant the world to me and serves as a great reminder of the amazing people I met through this opportunity.
Although my experience with children in need in Guatemala was overly positive, corruption has been overpowering in the country for years. Approximately nine months after my trip, the Guatemalan government decided to change the system in order to minimize corruption. According to a Hogar de Vida newsletter, “government entities responsible for the welfare of children began moving toward minimizing institutionalization and placing children with families of origin whenever possible.” This meant that seven children that I had gotten to know would be leaving Hogar de Vida.
Although the news that some of these amazing kids would be sent into an unknown situation was hard for me to accept, I was able to come to the conclusion that the change in policy would not have black and white implications. For Josefa, a twelve year old girl, moving back in with her family has been a positive transition. Despite living in poverty and lacking some basic necessities, Josefa is happy to be back with a loving family. For Oscar, a six year old boy, being sent back from Hogar de Vida was not a positive change. He now lives in a two bedroom house with 11 other people and must travel 25-30 minutes by foot to school each morning. This shows that while the changes in government policy is meant to help the children of Guatemala, the correct form of action depends greatly on each child’s situation.
Although no update has been given from Hogar de Vida on Marta’s present situation, she will be eighteen in April and able to make her own decision as an adult. This issue of corruption in the adoption system is a complex issue, and as seen from the results of new government policies, there is no perfect answer. However, as I was able to get to know Marta I realized how easily my life could have been hers. She deserves the loving family and secure home that I enjoy without a second thought. So, when we support putting an end to adoption exploitation, we support her and the millions of children worldwide that very well could have been me or you.
At the orphanage, I met a girl, Marta, with a birthday only seven days away from my own. At first, I was apprehensive of trying to make a connection with her and the other older girls because I was positive they judge my less than perfect Spanish skills. With the younger kids, there was never pressure to perform grammatically, but girls my age would want to engage in deeper conversation. I let my fears of embarrassing myself hold me back, and this was truly a mistake.
As I began to open up and really get to know Marta, I realized just how similar we were. Despite a language barrier, we were able to become friends in a short amount of time. We adapted to the challenges of different vocabularies quickly, and I felt as though I learned more Spanish in ten days than I had in three years of school. Through card games, piano lessons, and bracelet making, Marta and I were able to form a deep connection. We both shared a love of school and sense of humor, and despite living in completely different countries for all of our lives, we were able to connect on the things that define a friendship. On the last day of the trip, Marta gave me a picture (from an adult coloring book), with an inscription in English that read, “I love you Amelia!” This gift meant the world to me and serves as a great reminder of the amazing people I met through this opportunity.
Although my experience with children in need in Guatemala was overly positive, corruption has been overpowering in the country for years. Approximately nine months after my trip, the Guatemalan government decided to change the system in order to minimize corruption. According to a Hogar de Vida newsletter, “government entities responsible for the welfare of children began moving toward minimizing institutionalization and placing children with families of origin whenever possible.” This meant that seven children that I had gotten to know would be leaving Hogar de Vida.
Although the news that some of these amazing kids would be sent into an unknown situation was hard for me to accept, I was able to come to the conclusion that the change in policy would not have black and white implications. For Josefa, a twelve year old girl, moving back in with her family has been a positive transition. Despite living in poverty and lacking some basic necessities, Josefa is happy to be back with a loving family. For Oscar, a six year old boy, being sent back from Hogar de Vida was not a positive change. He now lives in a two bedroom house with 11 other people and must travel 25-30 minutes by foot to school each morning. This shows that while the changes in government policy is meant to help the children of Guatemala, the correct form of action depends greatly on each child’s situation.
Although no update has been given from Hogar de Vida on Marta’s present situation, she will be eighteen in April and able to make her own decision as an adult. This issue of corruption in the adoption system is a complex issue, and as seen from the results of new government policies, there is no perfect answer. However, as I was able to get to know Marta I realized how easily my life could have been hers. She deserves the loving family and secure home that I enjoy without a second thought. So, when we support putting an end to adoption exploitation, we support her and the millions of children worldwide that very well could have been me or you.
Why We Can't Use Simple Solutions to Solve Complex Problems
As I submitted Chapters 1 and 2 of my research project, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. After researching and writing about international adoption exploitation for the last four months, it was satisfying to finish the first half of the project. I remembered how overwhelmed I had felt when the research project was first assigned and reflected on how fast the time had elapsed before the due date.
One of the things I struggled with most throughout the writing process was capturing the essence of such a complex topic. International adoption is an intricate process that can be filled with differing motivations and beliefs. As I read each new article of the week, something different about adoption would capture my attention. I felt intimidated by the sheer amount of information available and worried I would be unable to capture a true and accurate picture of adoption exploitation in my work.
One of the ideas I was most conflicted by were differing reports about whether or not adoption should be continued in spite of the corruption that surrounds it. In addition, I felt helpless in trying to come up with a solution to such a global problem. After wrestling with multiple ways to organize my paper and becoming frustrated with my direction, I jotted down these thoughts in my notebook: “I believe that international adoption should not be completely stopped. By shutting down entire international programs we are putting children in less than ideal conditions (ex: institutionalization, abuse, neglect). However, there need to be changes to drive out corruption. How is this possible?”
This short journalism exercise did help me to regain some focus with the addition of a conference, but it didn’t answer the question of how exploitation can be solved. The truth is complex problems will never be solved with simple solutions, and our society prefers to focus on these oversimplified solutions. This impatient mindset leaks into how we address complex social issues, and causes dissatisfaction when the problem is not immediately resolved. While this mentality may be acceptable in everyday activities, it does not transfer as a problem solving technique when facing complex issues such as adoption exploitation.
Luckily, there are strategies for tackling potential solutions for complex problems. Michael Morvan, CEO of CosmoTech, a technology and intelligence consulting company, explains that, “the best way to tackle complex problems is not to break them down into smaller pieces because doing so ignores the important interconnections of the entire system. Instead, we should start by considering the system as a whole.” Once we understand the problem in its entirety we can start forming hypotheses that could solve the complex problem. And based on these hypotheses, we can create simulations to gauge the effectiveness of our possible solutions. If we fail to come to terms with complexity, we will be unable to follow this system of thinking that leads to viable solutions.
While I may be unable to solve international adoption exploitation with a research assignment, there is hope that progress can be made against corruption. It takes a different way of thinking and significant trial and error, but hopefully...someday...we can live in a world where no family has to worry about adoption exploitation again.