We will be consistent and intentional about promoting cultural diversity, not only in our home but in our child’s life and community. We want to make their home a place where diversity is not only recognized but also lived and felt. We are fortunate to live in a community that is extremely diverse with different cultural and economic backgrounds.

In terms of our home life, we plan to expose our child to diverse books, media, and experiences that not only reflect their background but also the world they live in. We believe it is important to engage the child in their identity, making sure they feel confident, supported and proud of who they are. They will also be taught to respect others and appreciate others for their uniqueness. Language will also play an important role in our home. Juan is fluent in Spanish, and we hope to raise our child bilingual or even trilingual to help strengthen their connection to culture and community.

We are committed to learn and advocate the child’s identity. The cultural diversity which already exists in our family will be a strong example for how to talk about and celebrate our differences. As a same-sex couple, this provides a unique perspective on diversity and a great opportunity to teach the child about different families. We want the child to grow up in a home where inclusivity, respect, and acceptance are not only recognized but also promoted.

Greg is a very detail oriented person and is the one in the relationship who keeps things moving along. He keeps track of what needs to get done and comes up with a plan. He is great during stressful times and helps keep everyone grounded and focused. When something needs to get done, Greg is the one to take charge and make sure it gets done.

Juan is always focused on others and pays attention to the needs of those around him. When someone is struggling, he is the first person to volunteer to be by their side, to bring them soup when they are sick or provide them words of encouragement. He loves bringing homemade gifts to family and friends just to cheer them up or bring some joy into their lives.

We complement each other well in the relationship. Greg ensures things get done and Juan ensures they are done with compassion. When there is a family birthday party, Greg makes sure the event is on the calendar and we have a plan, while Juan ensures we get the most thoughtful presents. When raising kids, we know this dynamic will be our strength as we tackle whatever challenges arise as a team.

We love to vacation on cruises. Cruises are a great way for us to unwind but also explore different countries, locations and cultures. We have been on about a dozen cruises together and often travel with our extended family. Our favorite cruise location is the Caribbean, exploring the different islands and enjoying the sunny weather.

In 2025, we had our dream cruise in Alaska where we saw amazing wildlife and scenery. We were amazed by the number of whales that swam next to the ship. The giant glaciers were breathtaking. Our favorite activity in Alaska was the rainforest hike where we learned so much about the local vegetation and Native Alaskan community.

We have already thought about cruising as we start a family. Many cruise lines, including Disney and Carnival offer great amenities for children and give them just as memorable of an experience as the adults. We see cruising as a fantastic way to expose our kids to different cultures and also have fun and relax.

Greg grew up surrounded by his 3 brothers and they are still close today. Two of Greg's brothers have daughters and we love spending time with them and watching them grow. We both have family close by and get together often for family dinners or to celebrate birthdays and holidays together. Juan's mom comes over regularly for dinner and enjoys cooking us traditional Spanish foods.

Our get-togethers with friends and family often consist of board games or watching sporting events on TV. We have a vast collection of board games and card games and love inviting friends over to try out a new game. When guests come over we often go overboard with snacks and make sure they don't leave with an empty belly!

We have such a culturally diverse family and love to share our cultures with each other, especially through food. Juan has introduced Greg to a lot of the foods and traditions that he grew up with in Guatemala such as Tamales, Pupusas, Chiles Rellenos, Rellenitos, Champurradas and more! He also has shard his Chinese heritage through traditional like Chinese New Years, Tea Culture and wearing red for good luck. Juan's Chinese and Hispanic heritages place great importance on honoring ancestors and traditions. We love exploring all the historical sites in Maryland and learning about the history. Being close to Washington DC, we enjoy going to the museums and monuments in the nation's capital.

We live in a 4 bedroom house in Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. Although we are only 45 minutes from the city it is quiet and feels rural. We especially love our backyard which is a quarter-acre and backs-up to a nature preserve. We often see wildlife running around. The community has many parks and hiking trails, including some within walking distance. 

Our family room is the center or our home and where we spend a lot of time. On cold nights we often have a fire going in the fireplace and are curled up on the couch reading a book or scrolling on our phones.

The neighborhood is extremely diverse and includes many families with young kids. The neighborhood enjoys decorating for holidays and Halloween is one of the most exciting times in the neighborhood with almost every house impressively decorated. Trick or treating is always a blast. The local community also includes a lot of LGBTQ resources and groups for gay parents which we hope to get involved with to meet other adoptive parents.

We would first of all like to say thank you. We can only imagine the strength, love, and courage it must take to think about adoption planning. As we sit down to write this letter, we do so from the heart, with the utmost respect, and an understanding of the love behind the choice you are considering.

We are Juan Carlos (JC) and Greg, and we are in a committed, loving relationship. We have been together for several years, building a life based on love, respect, trust, communication, and unconditional support for one another. Our relationship is based on respect, laughter, and the understanding that family is created through love, choice, and commitment. Together, we have created a wonderful home environment in which a child will be loved unconditionally.

We live in a beautiful, family-friendly neighborhood in Maryland, in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature, parks, and a strong sense of community. Our home is filled with love, laughter, and the occasional visit from the deer in the nature reserve just behind our home. Our home is shared with our dog, Kuzy, who is very gentle and playful. Our environment is safe, nurturing, and provides many opportunities for a child to grow, explore, and thrive in a secure environment.

If we are chosen to be a child's adoptive parents, they will know they are loved more than they can imagine. We believe in providing a home where a child feels comfortable being themselves, where they have a voice, and where they can explore who they are. We believe in education, exploration, kindness, and emotional well-being. We will be there for them whether it is to help them with homework, cheer them on at sports, or simply be at home at the end of a long day. We will always be there for them with love and consistency.

It is also imperative for a child to know where they came from. We will tell them about you with love, respect, and gratitude. They will know how much they have been loved since day one and how brave you have been to make this choice.

We believe it can be meaningful for a child to know you in whatever way feels right to you. We will send letters and pictures so you can see how your child is growing and doing. We are also open to staying connected through emails, phone calls, or visits, if that is something you would be comfortable with. Our goal is simply to honor whatever level of connection feels right for you and your child. We would like to respect the kind of relationship that is healthiest and most beneficial for all parties involved, especially a child.

Our promise to you is this: we will love a child unconditionally. We will provide them with a home, support them in all they wish to do, be patient with them, and make sure they know where they came from and how much they are loved.

We appreciate the time you are taking to learn about us. Regardless of the route you decide to take, we hope you feel supported, respected, and enveloped in compassion. We are holding space for you in our hearts and sending you strength and peace as you make this decision.

With love and gratitude,

Greg & Juan