[pja]

I need advice or at least thoughts from anyone who has been in this predictament. I am 53 and my dossier is in Nepal, but they have suspended adoptions and now I am not sure what to do. I have been waiting over 6 months for something to happen. But it does not seem like they will be opening up any time soon. I have thought of looking at Vietnam, but I fear the doors will close there too and I will be worse off. There are not many countries that allow older parents to adopt young children so I am feeling anxious about all of this. Any thoughts would be welcomed.

[shellydm]

Hi Pja-

I am so sorry to hear about your situation.

We experienced the same thing a few years ago and I know how your whole world feels like it is crashing in on you.

We were in process over 1.5 years when the country we were adopting from stopped adoptions suddenly and without warning.

I remember being in shock at first, then depressed, sad, angry and then a feeling of helplessness.

I want to encourage you to not give up. It will happen. I know its sooo frustrating, but you just have to somehow pick yourself up and figure out a new country/adoption plan. I am sure there is a right fit out there for you.

I wish you the best, and am sending HUGE hugs your way. I am sooo sorry you are going through this. I know its sooo hard and you feel so lost.

It will get better and you will find another fit and your child will come home! I promise!

If you ever need to talk, please PM me!

Shelly

[sak9645]

Does your agency have a Vietnam program as well as a Nepal program? If so, it may allow you to apply to Vietnam without taking your dossier out of Nepal, and to cancel your Vietnam plans if Nepal reopens soon.

It's very hard to predict country closings and rule changes. Adoption, I'm afraid, takes a big leap of faith. But a person can manage risk a little by choosing an agency that has programs in more than one country that attracts him/her, and that is flexible in working with clients at the time of a country closure.

Sharon

[mcanvasback]

Have you considered Kyrgyzstan? Check with the agencies that have Kyrg programs. I adopted an infant girl (9 mos) at age 49, also single! There is a yahoo group, groups.yahoo.com/group/kyrgyzstanadoptiongroup

[Shannavi]

Don't give up yet...6 months is not unheard of for a wait. :-)

[SkyBlue2]

Kyrgyzstan is a great idea. My wife's cousin just adopted five children from there. The whole process seemed to go very smoothly.