[mhpro]

We adopted a little boy from Guatemala, Lucas. He is one cool kid. We were so moved by the experience that we know we want to adopt internationally again. The agency we used is getting approval for Colombia and should have it finalized in approximately 3 months. They are looking for pilot families. This is where we come in.

Can you share you experiences? What should I expect? How does the process work? Any unforeseen dangers in being the "guinea pig?" There's so much to ask I'm a little unsure where to begin.

Thank you for sharing!
m.

[hdowns]

As just a quick reply, I would strongly caution you against being a first for your agency. This is a long process, which means that requirements change often and there is a lot to navigate. We went with an agency that only did one every few years and I would say their lack of experience probably added 8 mos onto our process - not to mention a couple extra thousand dollars fixing mistakes.
Our agency ultimately closed and we are now with yet another agency who has no experience in Colombia (all cases transferred to another agency). When we do this again, the first question we will ask is "how many adoptions they have completed in the last year"?
If you would like to PM me, I can tell you about the agencies we have used/are using and others we interviewed along the way.
With all that said, I have only thought about changing countries once, when we thought we might not get approved, and am very very excited to finally meet all the people in Colombia who have been helping us along the way.
Best of luck!
Heather

[G1ON1]

well hello mhpro,
i agree with heather the timeframe with colombia is a lengthy one and being one of the first with your agency might not be good, but also might be a positive one. it is a 50/50. you would like to know more about it before you become a "guinea pig". ask your agency alot of questions. and when you think of any more questions ask again. i wish you the best of luck with your decision. hopefully very soon your son with have a sibling. that would be great. good luck.

[prayby2004]

I also would strongly caution against being "the guinea pig." My husband and I did this with our last agency and it cost us approx 8 months of lost time and thousands of dollars. Go with an agency that has done numerous successful adoptions from Colombia.

Just my 2 cents

Patty

[Leslie]

You can expect a long wait! If you can handle the long wait, I see no reason not to pursue Colombia adoption. I don't think being a new program for your agency is as critical as the experience their in-country team has. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Leslie, waiting for what feels like forever for approval and referals.