[SingleMama2B]

Hi and Welcome Rob..... "Kretzklan" gave a very good summary of the current climet in Russia. I truly beleive that the younger the child the longer in the wait, and if a girl, even longer then a boy. There is always exceptions, but you need to take into consideration possible 'special needs'. I choose to adopt an 'older child', and started by hosting her for 2 weeks in the summer time in my home! It was the most wonderful and exhausting experience (until she came home FOREVER ). My process was from July 23rd, 2004 til January 25th, 2005 when DD stepped off the plane at JFK as an American Citizen!!! So, my process was fast in comparison to others, BUT NOT without a huge Emotional RollarCoaster ride.... i.e. paperwork, lost documents, an "Aunt" popping out of the woodwork trying to stop the adoption, and many more hills and drops! I will, and 99% of the members/posters here will tell you..... EVERYTHING WAS SOOOOOO WORTH that RIDE!!!

Definately, get references from any/all agencies that you are interested in. When asked by people about my Agency, I tell them EVERYTHING in my experience, which is 98% good, and 2% I certainly think they could improve on.

Also, I tell them this MAIN POINT: You must be or become a VERY PATIENT PERSON when going through this journey. Everything happens on THEIR TIME (Russia's), N O T OUR TIME!!!! We don't understand their methods of work, but eventually, everything does get down. And.... there is ALOT going on behind the scenes by the Agency/Facilitator in Russia. I sometimes wanted or wished for an 'update' from them, and basically would NOT hear anything UNTIL there was something to Tell! They are NOT big on small talk or holding our hands!!!

Welcome again.....

Blessings..................