[Pamsko]

We probably won't adopt again, I haven't felt any pull...but if we did, it would be a girl and we would probably adopt from China. We wouldn't have to make the emotional decision of boy versus girl if we went with China. We weren't able to adopt from China with our first adoptions as we didn't meet the length of marriage requirement of the country....the next time around, we would.

[Dachshund]

From everything I've read Guat ends up being just under $30,000 with travel and China around $18,000 with travel - These costs do not take into consideration the time you have to take off work for the travel though. Since China is around 3 weeks that's could be a few thousand "lost" depending on you and your spouses salaries and how much paid vacation you have... Though it would make for a great vacation... Just a thought

[widgit]

When we looked at China (a year ago), the average age of infants was several months older than the average age of infants arriving home from Guatemala. Age was an important factor for us in choosing Guatemala. I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, just tossing out some more information that you may want to research.

I think I also remember that the time between your referral and pick-up is very short. That doesn't necessarily mean that the total process is shorter, but our agency suggested that it's an easier wait (who knows) because you're not watching your baby grow up in pictures for 6-8 months.

[KDhappygal]

Length of travel in China is not 3 weeks it is 2 weeks and when we brought our daughter home it was 6 months from our dossier arriving in China to when we received our referal then about another 2 months until we traveled...so 8 months total.....

Sophia was 10.5 months old when we met, which was perfect.

Gabriella was 8.5 months old when she came home, which was also perfect. Her timeline was similar. We received her referal when she was 3 weeks old and brought her home when she was 8.5 months old.

China is a very different process from Guatemala. We chose China for our second adoption because of the stability and predictability of the process.

Guatemala is also a great program but the delays and uncertainty of the Hague situation was difficult for us. Plus we were intially thinking that we would adopt each of our children from a different country.

We are undecided if we will adopt again and if we do our third child will be from either Guatemala or China.

[mythreesons+]

One 10 to 12 day trip and only 1 parent has to travel to China.

Cindy

[drazil65]

Hi, just to let you know it happens with 1st adoptions from other countries as well. We adopted last year from Russia and have our beautiful son. We thought seriously about going back to Russia (actually did not think we would consider anywhere else as we loved St. Petersburg and the people so much) but as we want a girl this time around we are being drawn to China. If we go with China it will be about half the cost of our Russian adoption, one 2 week trip and we have the option of only one parent traveling (if both of us go we will bring our son). So far in my research it is a pretty streamlined process and no surprises. We are very happy with what we are seeing from agencies so far and what we are hearing from references. We are very excited about the idea of going to China to bring back a daughter.

[csw]

Hi
We also really debated China vs Guatemala for our second..Given the fact that our son is from Peru, we felt that 2 with the same type of culture (one Central and one South American) would be best. We were also told our daughter would be home at 4 months of age (but she wasnt home until 9 months old) and that few months difference between a 8-9 month old in China mattered to me, as I was trying to breastfeed and had induced lactation. I also liked the fact that we got newborn photo's and then I could visit and fostered at the end..so I missed alot but at least got to see some of her early months.

Another thing to consider..in Guatemala you do get birthmother history, sibling history, ages etc..name, age of birthmother..you could meet her if she agreed and even maintain ongoing contact. These things you may not realize now but for an adopted child may be very important later on.


One thing we hadn't considered but is very important to us now..is that from what I have read..the thimerosal containing vaccines from the US were sent to China and India and China's autism rate is skyrocketing. I do not know if these vaccines made their way into the orphanages or what..but given what happened to our daughter..I am pulled towards Guatemala where some agencies allow you can chose not to vaccinate (have to sign a waiver stating you will give proper medical care once home etc) or chose which ones you want or know that there is at least 1 doc there who does not use mercury containing vaccines (Dr. Montiel)..I am sure most kids in China will tolerate the vaccines ok..but like I said..after what happened to Ana I would never allow a child of mine to get a vaccine with thimerosal ever again..

I know that all included..travel and everything..I have heard folks spending around $19,000 for China..we had alot more expenses in Guatemala having to take over her foster care and all..so our costs were not average. ($38,000) but Guatemalan fee's are generally higher than China.

There are boys available in China..I think its like 5% of the orphanage? I would think that it is more stable and less stressfull in the long run and China would be a cool place to visit. It would be easier in a way to get the referral and then travel 1-2 months after..then to get a referral and have to wait and wait...both countries certainly have their ups and downs..good luck with your decision!