[devon osborne]

it appears there's not been much activity in this forum for a while. I just joined and perhaps there are some "lurkers" who might want to "talk"...

I adopted Vitali at age ten from Talinn and he's been with me since November of last year (the week after T-day!). He's bright, talented, intelligent, eager, athletic, outwardly confident, and handsome! Inside, he's a scared and scarred child who suffered at the hands of alcoholic, abusive, neglectful adults.

The orphanage was a real change of life for him and a bright spot in his life. There was a older woman named Luda who took Vitali and his brother out for weekends and she also earned a warm spot in his heart for her loving care.

In bad moments, he can be ODD, RAD, and PTSD but most of the symptoms are mild. We've got lots of stuff to work on but we're going to get him thru this.

I can't thank the people at the orphange enough for their great care and we plan to visit Luda as soon as we can to make sure she's thanked for all her love.

Devon

[Parvenah]

Hi Devon! How is Vitali doing? Which orphanage in Tallinn did you adopt from? I believe there are several in the city of Tallinn itself.

My daughter was adopted from an orphanage in Viljandi (2 hours from Tallinn), but I know several other parents who have adopted from Tallinn orphanages.

I had the privilege to meet several other parents who have adopted from Estonia. There is such a comfort in talking with these folks and sharing our ideas and challenges.

My daughter has come a long way in her developmental challenges, but she is well on the way to leveling off with her peers. It takes several years sometimes. I just want her to enjoy school, no matter what level she is on.

Did you have any difficulties advocating for Vitali at school?

I hope you are both doing well. Be patient. I found it interesting that once my daughter truly became comfortable with me and our environment she reverted in her behavior, and is now slowly maturing back up to her physical age level. It was a marvel to watch this boomerang in her psyche as she was very quiet and seemed to have no transition problems overtly. However, we all know how fragile the human psyche is and there are always subtle hints of the inner struggles. I feel blessed to be part of her life. People tell me what a lucky little girl she is. But, inside me I am telling them that I am truly the lucky one.

Hope you are both doing fine. Nice to meet another Estonian adoptive parent.

Fond Regards,
Parvenah

[dmkellogg]

Parnevah~When did you adopt your daughter? Which orphanage was she in? How old is she?

My husband and I are in the waiting part of the process for the adoption of a little girl in Viljandi. She is in the Voikemoisa children's home.

How long did your process take? Do you have any advice on how to get through this waiting period? Our dossier was submitted to Estonia at the end of February/beginning of March. Now we wait for the court date and traveling.

Michelle

[openhearts]

Hi I am new to this process but not new to the world of adoption. We are currently waiting for our court date for our daughter who is in an orphanage in Tallinn. We are anxious to bring her home and adress her medical needs. Any advice anyone can give me about travelling there(do you fly from Helsinki or take the ferry?) would be appreciated. Also any info on orphanage gifts? Thanks!

[SamWantsASister]

Is Estonia an option for me?
I have had a dossier in to Ukraine since Mid March and have not heard a single word. I am considering switching to Estonia, but have no clue about what to do about a dossier. Any recommendations on agencies? I saw an Estonia Program is listed with Adoption Patch. Does anyone know anything about them?
Any info is appreciated!
Thanks,
LH

[openhearts]

Hi!
YES DO IT!!
I am working with Trinette from Adoption Patch and after only having my dossier in country for two months I am looking at a court date!
Most of the people I have spoken with adopt in under 6 months!
And you would not believe how little is required for a dossier.
PM me if you want more info!
Vicki

[Doxie]

Hi! I was just wondering what the average cost is to adopt from Estonia? What are the requirement and all of that? What about the time length it takes from start to finish? Do you get a referral on a child or do you just go and meet them?

[ChrisCN]

This site seems to be pretty quiet. Anyone who is looking for information on Estonia might want to check out the yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Estonian_Adoption/

Chris

[Lena_g]

dmkellogg

I sent you a private mesage

[oslipitin]

HI...I AM LOOKING TO ADOPT AN OLDER CHILD...I'M A DWF.....(STRAIGHT)

.......STUMBLED UPON ADOPTION PATCH...... ESTONIAN ADOPTION MIGHT OFFER THE MOST FLEXIBILITY FOR ME......DUE TO CONSTRAINTS....

I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH THIS AGENCY AND ANY ADVICE YOU HAVE TO OFFER.....

THANK YOU..............YOU CAN PM OR E MAIL ME: USLIPITIN@YAHOO.COM