[survival114]

Hi again,
I've done a lot of research on agencies-adoption process. (Thanks to the individuals who responded about the agencies). But, there is always information that is gained by going through the experience that is priceless.

If anyone has some "pearls of wisdom" about international adoption-kinda like if I had know this before it would have been helpful-I would appreciate it tremendously. Thanks.
-Kat

[2Bulgarianbeauties]

Pick 2 countries that you are interested in, and make sure your agency does both. Countries often close, and you may be forced to switch. You will not want to change agencies if this happens.

Also, shop around for homesudy agencies. They are not all created equal. Some take 3 months, and require extensive peperwork, others take 1 month and require very little.

[ndoscoptec]

Relax, take everything one step at a time. Don't worry too much about the Homestudy. They are on your side and want to show you are good canidates. They are not looking to criticize you! You don't have to clean out all your cabinets and closets for your home visit.

MLH

[waitinginnj]

Expect at least one glitch. Whether it is a paperwork snaffu or something else. I don't know anyone that didn't have a hiccup along the way.

Good Luck.

[Sean&Shan]

I would apply for my 171 MUCH sooner, I would also not do electronic fingerprints, it seems that people who had standard prints that they were able to mail in envelopes stating that it was "for an adoption immediate attention required" got their background checks processed much quicker.
Our only frustrations have been in waiting for other organizations to process paperwork, so I would just apply some of these little "tricks" to help speed things along.

[spaypets]

I'd have faith that it would all work out in it's own time.

I spent a year making myself crazy because it was taking too long--really what I was afraid of was that it either wouldn't work out at all or that the delays would some how damage dd.

I wish I had faith. My life is full of examples of everything working out for the best. Really, I've always gotten exactly what I wanted, just not exactly when I thought I wanted it. If I ever go through this again (and I likely won't), I will resolve to go with the ebb and flow and trust that it will all work out the way it's supposed to.

[foxl]

Go with the flow. TRUST your agency. I mean, resolve to trust your agency at the beginning ... not blindly, but don't worry about the small stuff. (it is sure easier, the second time through!). If you decide to contact the agency for a progress report, ORGANIZE your questions to minimize your use of their time and they will appreciate it! Keep trying to see things through the eyes of the people who are part of this process.

OH, and remember the AA prayer, about knowing the difference between what you can control, and what you cannot! ;-)

Linda

[lil_hobo]

of ABSOLUTELY everything.

Just in case.

Our lawyer already has all the originals, and mistakenly, I forgot to copy them.

Now I need copies for my new adoption agency, and will have to get them all copied and sent back...

Stupid, but at least I know better now!

Stefanie

[lori0921]

What is the AA prayer?