[Laire]

I am 25 years old, from Canada, and have dreamed of adopting internationally since I was about 7. I do not have the means to do this yet, I think it is necessary to have a home first and I am saving my money to buy my first house hopefully within a year or two.

I have researched many places, and it seems to me like Ethiopia has the most need so I am most seriously considering adopting from there.

I am, however, single. What are the chances of being allowed to adopt as a single parent? Is there any way to get financial help?

I have a job which is part-time only but I am very good at saving. If I have to work full-time I could get it, probably where I work now (It's a city government job and is very flexible), but I think it important to actually be there for the kids and not have them shipped to babysitters all the time... I'll do what I have to.

Right now, I live with my parents so I can save more, but in a year when I buy a home I will still be close by. Although they keep saying "Why can't you just get married first, it'll be SOOO hard" lol, They do support me very much. They have said they would babysit whenever they could free of charge. I also have two younger siblings living near by who, one especially, would love to be of huge help. (My younger brother who has been asking me since I was in my mid-teens to please have a baby because he wants to be an uncle haha)

I do of course realize that dreaming of being a single parent is unusual and will take very hard work, but from what I can see, these children in Ethiopia would be better off with a single loving parent than none at all, I can offer more than they have, and I know a LOT of single parents who had biological children and managed to pull it off and the kids turned out great. I've been told since I was 3 years old and taking care of siblings and friends that I was a "natural mother" and would be wonderful with children, so call me crazy but I don't care, I just want to know if I have a chance as a single parent of getting children.

My main dream has always been to adopt a sibling group... Preferable an infant and a sibling that is within three years of the infant (twins or not does not matter). I have always wanted a daughter, I find myself tempted to buy little girly things when I don't even have one yet! I am open to either two girls or even more ideally a brother and sister as I know how close i am with my brother.

How long would it take to adopt from Ethiopia? I am hoping to have children by the time I am 30, is that reasonable or should I expand my goal?

Any way, just wondering your opinions.

[kerriv]

Ethiopia is currently a good option for singles. There are lots of children of all ages in need of families. Periodically rumors pop up that it is closing to singles but so far it hasn't happened. Also, the timeline is fairly predictable in Ethiopia - approximately a year, give or take.
As far as being a single mom, it can be great. If you have a strong relationship, I'm sure parenting with a partner would be great too. However, single parenting is much better than coparenting in a not-so-good relationship.
Good luck following your dreams!

[Laire]

Thank-you Kerri for your help I think that having a lot of support from my family will really help me. I should have enough for a house in a year, and then I would like to rent it out for a year while I save for the adoption fees. I should not have trouble having money to raise the kids and pay a mortgage after I come up with the actual cost of adoption

[chickymum]

Laire I know how you feel about wanting to do this for ever. I also wanted to do this since I was very young. i hope all works out well for you. Where are you in Canada? I am also in Canada and just beginning the process. Very exciting!
There is a bank here that will give you a long term loan with a low interest rate. Feel free to PM me if you want some details.
Amanda

[Laire]

I am from British Columbia, I am interested in the details... but how do I send the PM? I've found it before when someone pm'd me first and the link was in my email, but I've deleted that email now.