[Crystal-Joy]

Hello everyone,

My husband and I are getting ready to start the domestic adoption process (through the state), but also dream of adopting a child from a foreign country. We know the process for that is long, so we thought that we should start planning now.

How long did you plan/research/save before you actually started the process of international adoption?

How did you decide what country you wanted to adopt from? We are somewhat limited as I am 24 and my husband is 28, but we are pretty much open to any country.

We would love to hear your experiences!

[karla-k]

We started researching countries and agencies first. It took about two months to choose a country and then an agency.

You really can't do too much ahead of time except save money and make sure you are financially getting ready to raise kids Many agencies and countries don't allow concurrent domestic and international adoptions, and many require a year between placements.

If you are ready to pursue a domestic adoption, go for it. Get settled in with your new child and then start on the international road.

There are many changes in rules and procedures within countries and things that apply today may not apply in 1, 2 or 3 years. We had always thought we would adopt from China, but as the time came for us to adopt internationally, China had turned from a 10 month wait to a 4 year wait all in a couple of years. That alone shifted us to another country quickly.