[perkinbaby2]

We just got back from the region of Kustanai. But let me start by saying we started this process almost 3 years ago. We were told at the time of signing it would be like 9 months. Well here we are 3 years later. We were told by our agent that we would be over there for 21 days. We end up spending 6 weeks. We also were told that our fee didn't include the driver or translator that cost $60.00 a day. Also our apartment was $2,200.00 for the 6 weeks. When we adopted our son 4 years ago we paid $400.00 for our apartment for 4 weeks. The process in Kustanai was very weird also. We did our 14 days at the orphanage then we had to wait 10 days to have precourt then wait another 14 days for court. The process was very long and we were not told about all the exstras. For any of you getting ready to leave make sure you get lots of details. Also because we stayed in an apartment we bought our own food and there food there is very pricey. Bread and grain is cheap but everything else is very high. We spent 90% of our time inside because it was so cold. If it would have been summer or even fall we would have been able to get out alot more. International adoption has become complicated and cost tons more. Don't get me wrong i love my son and my daughter but wow has things changed. Total i bet we paid over 35k and our last adoption was 23k, that is a big diffrence in 4 years. International adoption is a wonderful thing to go through but just make sure you get all your facts and make sure you get all the fee's up front. We have been home for 3 weeks and our daughter will be home in 3 more weeks. We are having her escorted home and we cant wait to see her again. good luck to you all and don't forget everything happens for a reason.

[amyfk]

First of all, Congratulations on your new child! So happy for you.
I think that is very kind of you to post the reality for prospective adoptive parents looking into Kazakhstan. Some agencies are ethical but there are always ones that arent and I think it's good for folks to go into the process with eyes wide open rather than being duped.
Unfortunately there does seem to be more and more hurdles in IA. Sadly the families lose out but the kids do the most who will never get into a loving home.
I wish you the best with your little one,
Amy K, NJ