In my last blog post, I mentioned how I met my birth family. Today, you’ll hear about the international adoption family search.
We officially started the birth family search in late January of 2018. We chose the searcher and my mother sent all of the documents. The searcher provided updates every day and within three weeks, we knew everything.
Discovering my birth family
After the process of the International adoption family search, I found out everything about my birth family. The names of my siblings, their ages, their occupations, their schooling, etc. I found additional family as well.
Like all families, there is drama. Well there was a lot of drama within my birth family and situations. My family and I decided it was best that we only met my immediate family.
In February of 2018, my family and I scheduled the day we were going to meet my birth family. I asked my parents to not tell anyone about my birth family and they respected my decision.
Why my birth family was a secret
I was not ashamed of them, but I needed to get my mind right first.
I had to mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare myself first. Then I would be more open to questions from people. I needed to process all of my emotions first.
Having a completely different family and siblings was a lot, especially in my first year of college! I’ll talk more about this later.
I discovered that I have a sister that is four years older than me. A sister that is 14 months younger than me. And a brother that is 3 years younger.
My younger sister and I began to talk in March of 2018. That’s when we established a relationship. We discovered more about each other and it was just like having another friend.
Meeting my birth family through the international adoption search
The night before, I could barely sleep. There were so many emotions and scenarios that played in my head.
The next day, my family and I arrived to the restaurant and my birth family was waiting! We all hugged each other, cried, and laughed!
We predominately communicated through the birth family searcher due to the language barrier.
As an adoptee, it was extremely awkward to have both families together. I felt like I was stuck in the middle and had to spend a certain amount of time with each family.
I talked to my birth mother one on one. We communicated through the translator and I wanted to clear the air with a few things. I did not ask any questions regarding my adoption. I thought it was better if I did not know certain things.
After the four hours passed, it was time to leave. It was difficult to say goodbye. But I knew it wasn’t going to be my last time seeing them. I knew I would be back.
Fast forward to Guatemala 2021
Throughout the years, my younger siblings and I remained in contact. They knew I was planning to return to Guatemala.
My birth family visited me throughout my time in Guatemala. Although, not as many times as people would assume.
Even though my birth family and I share the same blood, it doesn’t mean anything special.
Throughout my time in Guatemala, I established relationships with people that felt like family.
XOXO,
Madison Archer
