[cgayle22]

My husband and I are interested in adopting from Africa. We are not sure which country, Ethiopia or Liberia, but are open to other countries. I have looked into different agencies, he thinks a private adoption would be easier and flow quicker. I would rather go with an agency based on what I have read on this forum.

If you don't mind giving your thoughts on the matter. Do you have an agency you would recommend?

Has anyone adopted two children at once. Do you reccommend it? That is what we are thinking of doing. We have twins girls, 2 years old and would love to add siblings or twin boys. We would prefer them to be not older than 4. Anyone with insight on adopting older children in similar situations?

As you can see, we have tons of questions and would appreciate any and all information. Please feel free to PM me with any info that might be helpful.

[ManyTimesBlessed]

I'd be happy to talk to you about Liberia if you want to learn more. Feel free to email me at manytimesblessed@gmail.com since I don't visit this board as much now that our children are home.

As far as a private adoption vs. agency adoption. We did a private adoption for our Guatemalan adoption and here is my opinion. Often you will get more individual attention through a private adoption than with an agency. But, remember that if anything goes wrong you don't have any kind of legal recourse or anyone who can help you. Agencies are licensed and you can take your complaints to the licensing board. Knowing what I do now I would not do another private adoption. Just my two cents though.

[Matushka]

We adopted twins from Liberia, I'd be happy to answer any general questions on this forum or you can PM me if you have agency specific questions.

[sak9645]

Ethiopia has the most stable and organized adoption process of any African country.

The Ethiopian government licenses certain American agencies to place Ethiopian children, and Americans MUST use one of them. Independent adoption, or adoption through a facilitator or lawyer, is not allowed. The good news is that most of the licensed agencies are highly experienced and ethical, and known for good service to families.

Ethiopia has many, many children in need of homes. It is possible to adopt children of any age, from infants to teens, including sibling groups. The American agencies tend to work with good orphanages and, despite the poverty in the country, I've seen some remarkably healthy and well cared for children coming home.

Do be aware that some American homestudy and placement agencies will not approve adoptions out of birth order. You will have to discuss this issue with both homestudy and placement agencies before starting the adoption process.

Most agencies, however, ARE eager to find families who will accept boys. Most Americans request girls and, as a result, boys wait much longer for homes.

Adoption of toddlers and preschoolers can be very challenging. For one thing, they are experiencing loss of everything and everyone familiar in their world, at the same time as they are going through the normal life stages that may cause stranger anxiety, tantrums, etc. There may be a great deal of regression in terms of things like toilet training and sleep patterns. It is a good idea to read extensively about toddler/preschooler adoption and to talk to families who have adopted children in this age group. Still, I think you will discover that, despite the challenges, toddlers and preschoolers make great additions to a family.

Sharon

[cgayle22]

Sharon,

Thank you so much for writing. I appreciate the information and your support. I hope all is well with Rebecca and your entire family. Wow, She's a big girl now! I look to you and many others as an inspiration for the process we are undertaking.

Much love for a lifetime sent to you.

Caryn