[dawnrenee1313]

Hello everyone
I just wanted to introduce myself. I am VERY new to this process. My husband and I have been tossing around the idea of adoption for a year now. We have been married for 9 years and have no children. I have had two miscarriages. We decided last May to forego any further infertility treatment and decided to leave it up to God. My DH just infomed me last week that he had decided months ago that we were going to move ahead with adoption plans, however, my sweet DH forgot to tell me that he had finally reached this decision! (Even though I ask him about every two weeks!) Anyway, we are pretty certain we want to go international. He is leaning towards Russian (As he was a Russian major in college) I am leaning towards Guatemala as my best friends family originates from there, and I feel very strongly that it should be a culture that we are knowlegable about. We will be attending a free seminar at a local agency in few weeks. I have also downloaded my INS form from the internet, and amnow just saving my money to send it in. I have enjoyed reading your stories today and wish all of you the best of luck in your journeys...Any info you would like to share will be helpful. Thank you!

[crathke]

Hello, Dawn!

I'm thrilled to see another family start the international adoption journey! As I'm sure you've noticed, we're a very supportive and friendly group.

FYI, when we started out, I was absolutely, positively 'set' on Russia, myself. In our first informational meeting, my husband leaned over and confided that he wasn't thrilled with the Russia program (too many uncertainties) but "that Guatemala program sounds pretty good..." and it certainly has been.

Best wishes to you, whichever country you settle on!

[Bassette]

Good Luck on your journey Dawn, and welcome aboard!!!

This forum is not only informative, but sooooo supportive! We look forward to hearing more from you and hope that you will update us when you decide which program you choose!!

[reneetaylor]

Hey Dawn - Congratulations on your decision to adopt. I think once you and your husband attend the info meeting, then you'll be able to decide which contry is right for you and your family. There are more to choose from than just Russia and Guatemala, so keep an open mind and pray for guidance.

FYI - I adopted my daughter from Russia 5 yrs ago when she was 12 months old and she is absolutely wonderful. That whole experience is one I'll never forget. Russia has a lot more history and it is so awesome to see Moscow and travel to such a unique part of the world. When I traveled to Guatemala City, it was no where near as desolate and needy as Russia. The differences in the hotels alone where like night and day. Russian people are more unforgiving and hard, whereas the people in Guatemala are more laid back. I know both cultures have thier hardships, but when it comes down to it, I think the children of Russia "need" you more.

I know you are probably wondering why I am adopting my son from Guatemala then, instead of Russia, right? Well, we were lead to Guat on this adoption. Our son is there and we know in our hearts that he is meant to be in our family. Next time around, who knows?

So......take a deep breath and follow your heart to where your child is, whether he/she be in Russia, Guatemala, China, Ukraine, The Marshall Islands, Cambodia, Samoa, Armenia, the US....etc, etc.

Renee

[dawnrenee1313]

For the very warm welcome...I am doing a ton of internet research right now and have compiled so much info, I think I have become OVERLOADED! I am going to try to be as active as I can here...I am usually at work though, while I am on here (shhhhhhhhhhh...Dont tell my boss ) Anyway, thanks so much for the kindness...