[Shoshana]

i tried to adopt domestically, and was totally open to the race of the child, but was told that "birthmothers chose married couples." the agencies i contacted wouldn't even work with me as a single mom in an open domestic adoption.

i chose not to go through the state because as a single working mom, i couldn't foster, and i wanted a child under two. without fostering, the wait could be very long, with no guarantee of placement. as i am 40-something, i didn't want to wait.

yes, international adoption is more expensive. as far as the challenges go, i guess that depends on how you define challenges. the process was very challenging and stressful, but guatemalan children are remarkably healthy. many of the children in foster care have significant mental health issues due to past neglect and abuse. again, i felt that as a single mom, i wouldn't be able to provide the necessary level of care that might be required.

in my opinion, all waiting children need homes - their 'origin' doesn't mitigate that need.