[themerrymouse]

Since my husband and I are still trying to decide what country to adopt from, I would really like to hear stories of what persuaded you to adopt from Colombia.

[NashvilleGirl]

Linda,

Steve & I knew we wanted to adopt from Latin America, and we were drawn to Colombia for several reasons. For one, my parents were missionaries there for a few years, so we have some connections there. Also, we were impressed by the level of care the children receive while waiting to be placed, and also the good medical info that is available on the birth mom/family. Also, Colombia was one of the only international countries that we found placed infants as young as a few months old, which was sort of important for us as this is our first time adopting and we have no bio kids. The country itself is beautiful too, and I can't wait to explore it once we're finally there!! Good luck with your decision. I know it's a lot to think about.

[Franny7]

Colombia does have a wonderful reputation as far as care of the children in their care...our daughter had open heart surgery in Colombia when she was 4 months old and the repair is perfect... she lived in the hospital for almost 8 months and could not be more well adjusted and happy! They also have a great record as far as how the children came into care and we found once we were down there that the staff really put the children first in their minds when making any decisons. It was wonderful to see... the social workers we had, and the ones several people I know have had, provide photo books they have made personally when they can, check often to see how the children are doing, and are very invested in the future of their children. I loved the country and the people there.
We also chose Colombia orginally because we love the culture and we were younger at the time, they allow couples under 30, and the great health care. But the reasons above are the ones I have learned as we worked through the process.
Hope this helps...
Franny (Kari)

[AdoptInMN]

Linda,

I had lived in South America previously (in Montevideo, Uruguay), and speak Spanish. I wanted to raise our child to be bilingual, so we narrowed down the list to Spanish-speaking countries. From there, we were going back and forth over whether we should go through Colombia or Guatemala. We were impressed by the steadiness of the program and the care that the children receive. We were concerned about being able to manage the longer in-country stay (due to work restrictions) but decided we would find a way around it. Also, we were concerned with the status of the Guatemala program. Since we've started going through the process with Colombia, I've grown to respect their program even more. From what I've read and heard from other families that have gone through the program, the children really are the priority, as they should be!

Edited to add: I should say that we have found a way to work out the longer in-country stay. Now, what was our biggest concern is one of the things I'm most looking forward to! I am so excited to get to spend that time in the country and learn more about the people and their culture! Plus, what a great opportunity for bonding with your child!

[DrLaura]

I was going to reply earlier but though some other should weigh in first. For us there was no decision. We have talked about the since before we got married. My husband grew up in Colombia and moved to the US when he was 14. Most of his family is still there. We wanted to help a child out of the poverty that is so prevalent in much of the country.

The care is wonderful. Our son has been in foster care since he was 10 days old. He was been with the same family the entire time. There are 2 daughters and a grandmother in addition to the foster parents in the household so he has had a very loving and stable home this last year.