[PKTrekGirl]

Hello Everyone,

I just joined this board and wanted to introduce myself.

I am a single female (age 46) who is interested in adopting a child, and this looks like the right place to be!

I've only begun my journey - read some articles on the web, ordered a few books on adoption, chatted with a facilitator of a local adoption support group, and joined this board. But I have been thinking about taking this step for a long time, and I think that now is finally the time.

I've always wanted children...but for many years I held out in hopes of becoming a two-parent family. But as you know, there are never any sure things...and after waiting around for several years hoping for a "Mr Right" who never showed (*lol*), have decided to do this on my own.

I guess I started accumulating the courage earlier this year, when one of my single girlfriends adopted a child. I was always afraid that I 'couldn't do it on my own'...but when I saw my friend doing it, I began to get more courage.

Anyway, right now, I am primarily considering adopting a child from China or Russia. As a single person who has done alot of traveling, I have spent a fair amount of time in both of those countries and have a great love of both countries and their cultures. And because I've been both places (I actually lived in Russia for a year), I'm not as intimidated by the administrative stuff and the travel requirements as perhaps I should be. *lol*

Anyway...I have put in a call to Lutheran Services of Georgia (I was directed to them by the phone contact at the support group) and I guess will be going to their orientation at the beginning of next month. I don't really know how to pick an agency though...and so hopefully, I'm doing the right thing. Any advice in this regard would be appreciated!

My other concern right now is my age. I wonder if, at age 46 and single, I have a chance in the world of getting a child. To tell you the truth, I'm not the least bit set on getting an infant. In fact, I think a toddler is kinda more my "comfort level", to be honest. Hopefully, my lack of insistence on an infant will work in my favor. What do you think?

So anyhow, I just wanted to introduce myself to you all and ask for any advice you guys might have to offer an almost complete newbie to adoptive parenting.

I'm familiar with adoption, since I am an adoptee myself...but this side of the adoption equation is a whole new adventure!

Thanks for any advice!