[mommytoEli]

I second an explanation of the process. The only way I ever knew what was going on and what would happen next was by coming here.....in this process....I wish somebody would have also told me what to expect when I got off the plane in Guatemala. Our agency was not great in explaining any of these things and much of the time we just felt (and still do sometimes) feel lost.

[sweettlc]

I know that you will do great.

When my huband and I were considering adopting from China, we attended a seminar and it was held by a number of adoptive parents in sort of a "panel question and answer" type of a forum. It was neat. It allowed everyone to be able to ask questions that weren't necessarily about paperwork or the process...but instead lots of personal questions were asked...what was it like to meet the child, how did you afford adoption, what was the travel like, what to expect at homecoming, etc. It was very helpful. So, I would suggest opening your seminar up at the end just to take personal questions regarding the process and adoption. I agree with what the other posters said...everyone gave you good ideas. God bless.

[widgit]

I think this needs to come from an agency rep (not a former client):
1) What ethical issues exist in each country represented and how does your agency seek the highest ethical standards possible in the midst of these challenges?
2) Why should prospective clients use your agency instead of another?
3) Are any fees transferable to a different country or different referral and under what circumstances.

These can come from a former client:
1) The paperchase & the importance of making everything perfect.
2) Options for financing the bill
3) The referral wait & then range of emotions that one can feel when first seeing the referral package
4) The process & the fact that IA laws change and stall sometimes.
5) Waiting...the emotions...the coping...the unanswerable questions
6) Your pick-up story
7) "Don't underestimate the transition that these children/babies have to make once they are home."
8) Does the agency make tours of Antigua or other parts of the country available?