[MJL2005]

Hello,

I am just starting to research adoptions from Kazakhhstan, and have a couple questions. One of my biggest concerns is the travel involved. First, can someone tell me about how long it is taking for 1st and 2nd trips. I've seen 3 weeks, 4 weeks, and more. Can someone clarify? Second, can someone tell me if it is safe there? For some reason, the thought of going frightens me, and I want to know if I'm being irrational. I thought some positive stories and realistic expectations of what to expect would help. And, finally, do you normally go in a group with other families or are you by yourself. I really appreciate the info.

Thank you,
Miranda

[hml1976]

Its not dangerous. Almaty is like any other large cosmopolitan city, you should be careful but just as careful as you would in a large city in the US. The smaller city that we were in after Almaty was very safe, we didn't go out much at night but never felt unsafe.

I think you need to count on 3-4 weeks for a first trip and about a week for your second trip, if you pick a reputable agency. Hold ups can always happen but most good agencies will get you home when they say they will. Good luck

[auntuptonow]

Miranda--

Travel time is a big factor for many people considering Kazakhstan. Most agencies will tell you that you have the choice of taking 1 or 2 trips; some offer an service to have your child escorted to the U.S., eliminating the need for a 2nd trip.

The timeline goes something like this:
Step 1: 2 weeks visitation with your child
(my agency says visitation starts at the first visit to the baby house, even if you haven't narrowed down which child you are adopting-- as long as he/she is one of the children you are spending time with.. Check with your agency as to the policy of the baby house they deal with-- just about everything in the process can vary by region or baby house.)

Step 2: Once visitation period is over, you are given a court date-- the court date is usually about a week later (so now you are up to 3 weeks)

If you are splitting your journey into 2 trips, after your court date is generally when you would return home. My agency estimates 28 days for the 1st trip, including travel time.

Step 3: Waiting period.. Whether you go home or stay in country, there is a 2 week waiting period after your court date before the adoption is finalized.

Step 4: Final paperwork in Almaty.. The last phase takes you back to Almaty to get secure visas, the baby has a medical exam, processing at the US embassy, etc.. If you are returning to Kaz, this is when you would return-- to pick up your child and bring them to Almaty to do all the final paperwork.. My agency estimates 1 week for this, but I have heard from people who have done it a little more quickly.

The general estimate I have seen for doing it in 1 trip is 7 weeks; for 2 trips, it is about 4 weeks, then home for a few weeks and back to Kaz for 1 week.. If an escort is used, my agency estimates the baby will be escorted to the US about 1 month after court..

Keep in mind that all of this is dictated by the region you are going to, the mindset of the court in that region, and Kaz holidays.. Try to speak to other clients of the agency you are looking at (clients who have already traveled), to determine how smoothly/close to the normal timeline their trips were.. There are no guarantees, of course, but it may give you an idea as to what to expect..

Re: safety, most people report feeling generally safe and say they act like they would in any strange city-- being alert to their surroundings, not taking undue risk.. Your reaction may be dictated, again, by where you are.. As for traveling with other families, I think that also has to do with your particular agency and the active dossier's they have submitted.. However, from what I have heard, there are usually other adoptive families to be found, particularly if you are staying in a hotel.. These kinds of boards are good on that point too-- many people find out they are traveling at the same time because of postings on the boards, and make plans to meet..

This may be more of an answer than you wanted-- it is long! But, I hope this helps, and good luck with your adoption.
Jeannine