[Mptrsn4]

Hi everyone-
My husband and I are planning on adopting within the next couple of years so obviously we have some time to decide on the country. Our problem right now is that I am torn between Korea and Guatemala. My husband really likes the stability of Korea and that we would be able to get a young baby. Plus he thinks it is a bonus that Korea is less expensive than Guatemala.
We live in Ohio and would use FAC and I was wondering for those of you who have used FAC do you regret not being able to travel? That is one of the things that draws me to Guatemala that we would be able to make a short trip and experience our child's birth country.
Thanks everyone! Obviously we have awhile to decide but I am just curious if anyone else considered Guatemala and what made you decide on Korea?

[hockeyMom]

In some ways I do regret not being able to travel. But we plan to take a trip when our children are old enough to experience their birth country with us. I think that will be even more important for us. We have children from both Russia and Korea so we will be seeing the world.

In other aspects, it is nice to be well rested when the baby comes home. You are not suffering from Jet lag and are more ready to care for the baby instead of feeling like you are ready to drop. The agency you mention has been wonderful for our family and we could not imagine using anyone else. We are kept up to date, get new photos and udates, and their social workers are terrific.

Good Luck!

[lynnor]

Briefly looked at Guatemala, but costs were higher, programs were less stable and reports of black market activities.

Korea - costs lower, programs well established, children in foster care (vs. orphanages).

I've heard the agency you mentioned goes through the process with Korea quickly these days (could slow down when the welfare agency they work with in Korea starts programs in other countries once again).

BTW: You CAN and I encourage you to travel to Korea. Being able to meet the foster family and visit the childs country is priceless. We used a different agency and it's about 50/50 families who travel and those who escort. See if it really is against the rules, or if your agency is just discouraging travel for some odd reason. We went to Seoul and it is very safe, clean, easy to get around, don't need any special shots to go to Korea. There are other BBs out there where you can ask more about travel (look up agency that has been there 50+ years, based in OR - they have MB where can ask all sorts of questions and you'll start to get replies almost immediately).

[mattmiamom]

We decided on Korean because of the stability, great medical care, truthful histories and foster care. We have two children from Korea and know many, many familes with Korean children I have yet to hear of a bad experience.

Their are pros/cons of travelling. We didn't; but will take our children to Korean when they are older. It would be a personal decision but I don't think if matters one way or another to the bonding experience.


Good Luck with decision.