I don't have any personal experience, but a former co-worker battled for over 2 years trying to adopt from a "foster" situation and the mother WANTED them to have the girls. They eventually ended up with one of them. Another co-worker tried for a lengthy period of time and then gave up.
As far as domestic goes, I know of one that lost a child to a birthmom after two months and one that went through two failed matches before a success and then another two failures trying to get number 2. I think they've decided to give up due to the expense and heartbreak. This is part of the reason we went to Russia.
I have a friend in the China program. Their dossier was submitted 11 months ago and it looks (based on the current trend) that it will be another 6-8 months to get a referral.
I wish you the best in your decision. Follow your heart. It's never wrong!!
