[Cturner0921]

Hello everyone!! So for a while I have been thinking about adopting (it was just in the back of my mind). The other night I saw an Oprah episode about this community in NC adopting basically a whole orphanage from Lybia. Well I was talking to my husband about it and he is for it as well. He is active duty air force and we are currently living in Germany. Right now I'm doing research and waiting for him to get home to really talk about this. Like I said he is for it also. We do have a son who will be three. So I am so scared to do this, but also wanting to do this really bad. I have a lot of questions: How will my son take it? Will I be able to handle another child? How will our family feel? What can I expect? The list goes on and on. Any help would be appreciated. I already know where I want to adopt, but I guess I'm just scared to start the process. PLEASE HELP!!!

[kretzklan]

There are just a lot of things that don't have answers. It takes faith to step out and start. Your first step is to find an agency that works in that country and has all their accrediations or licences to work there. It can really ruin/slow down your process to work with an agency that isn't totally ready to work there.
Good luck - even once you have more info...there is nothing to tell you how it will be until it happens.

[Rapids]

Hi CTurner,

We are also AF, we are in Italy! It is great that you are looking into things now. There is a lot to learn about the process, agencies, countries, adoption issues, etc. As far as family dynamics, bonding and those types of things, you will be required to complete pre-adoption education-we did ours online. You'll feel MUCH better after completing it.

In the meantime, start researching agencies and thinking about countries that interest you. My agency (obviously) works with Americans living overseas, they are Illien Adoptions International. Check out their website and give them a call for info.

Also check out this website Welcome to Adoption.State.Gov and enter the countries you are interested in for country information. Once you decide on a country and agency, the rest will fall into place as your agency will guide you.

Also, KMC has a support group and this website WWW.USADOPTEUROPE.COM with helpful info and links. Nov is adoption month, they may be having a symposium or something coming up.

Good luck and KIT!
Jenny

[sak9645]

I think that you may have misunderstood. When a community or organization "adopts" an orphanage, they aren't adopting the children. They are simply making a commitment to provide the orphanage with food, medicine, clothing, money for teachers and nannies, etc. This is actually a poor use of the word "adopt".

According to the U.S. State Department, fewer than five adoptions from Libya by U.S. parents have occurred in the past nine or ten years. These were almost certainly relative adoptions. Libya is also a somewhat dangerous country for American travelers, and it is unlikely that any American agencies would allow staff or clients to travel there.

In addition, Libya is an Islamic country, and Islam has a concept of adoption that generally does not allow the granting of decrees that would meet USCIS requirements for issuing an immigrant visa to an adopted child.

If you should decide to adopt internationally, be aware that there are many pther countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America that have children in need of homes. You might consider one of them.

Sharon

[emzierose]

Actually I think the episode you are talking about is the one with the families that adopted from Liberia, West Africa. They adopted a bunch of kids from the same orphanage, some of the boys were in a choir touring the US.

We are currently in the process of adopting from Liberia. There is currently a moratorium (a hold) on adoptions in Liberia. They have been closed since January and many families are still fighting to open things back up to bring their children home. If Liberia is where you think you want to adopt from, I would wait until the moratorium is lifted and then reevaluate.

There are other countries in Africa that allow international adoption though. There are many options both internationally and domestic. I would strongly suggest really looking at all of the programs out there and see what fits best for your family.

Good luck with making your decision. It's a big one. Don't rush into anything. You have time to figure it out.

As far as all the worry...We were very worried as well, but for no reason. Our family and friends are so happy and excited for us. They love our child (who none of us have ever met) and support our decision to adopt.

Emily

Mommy to Jonah (waiting in Liberia)

[Cturner0921]

Yes it was Liberia thank you for the correction!!