[kazboy]

I was wondering if anyone has anything to share on going in blind vs. getting a referral?

Have those of you that have gone in blind gotten matches that fit your original criteria, or have you taken a child that didn't necessarily fit it?

Those that have gone the referral route - did it work out as expected? Did any referrals fall through?

We're weighing these options for our agency selection and would love any feedback.

Thank you!

[babypayne111]

This was a hard choice for us. We said Never to blind travel to start but when we were trying in Russia we had several referrals that never fit our needs. We trusted in God and went to Kaz on wings and prayers.

We were showed several children, some met our needs and some did not but God showed us our son.

This is a personal choice but as you know referrals are not really 100 percent safe in Kaz and I have many friends that loved a picture for many months but only to lose the child right before travel.

You have to do what is right for you, we will only go back as blind travel.

Boys are faster than girls.

Hope this helps, pray about it ,

[hml1976]

I pmed you as well but to elaborate. We had a referral for our daughter, it was the right decision for us, many people who travel blind feel the same way. Most reputable agencies that use referrals give you the referral very close to travel so you are less likely to lose it. However, babypayne is right, you have to be careful because you can always lose a referral.
Never choose an agency because you fall in love with a photolisted child and any agency that sends you a referral before your dossier is in Kaz is also not likely to be trustworthy.

Good luck, pick a reputable agency and you'll be fine

[kazboy]

Thanks for the feedback! It seems as though there's no right or wrong way to do it. Eithe way, we'll be blessed with a child, which is ultimately what we want!

[mommy2bee2008]

Could you PM reputable agnecies you have seen...we are looking at WHFC

[hbaileymom]

We've done both, a referral for our first adoption, and a blind travel for our second. Both found us the right children (I know,you hear that a lot from parents!).

Our agency, specifically our coordinator, did a perfect job of listening to our referral criteria. Found the perfect one based upon conversations we had during the paperchase!

We did blind referral recently for our baby, adopted in late fall, 2006. Babies fitting criteria were presented to us.

Heather,
Mama to 2