[pattybeagley]

We would like everyone to know that we have looked at several (a ton) agencies outside of LDSFS since we have "met our two quota" but decided to look for Samoan or Polynesian Isles,etc. to add to our little family because we have two sons (both adopted thru LDSFS) and our youngest is Samoan. We would love for him to have a baby brother or sister who has the same heritage as he does.

The problem is trying to find this heritage domestically outside of the church is like trying to find a needle in a haystack because of the strong family traditions. We have looked at going to Samoa or even situations in Hawaii which we aren't sure about but if anyone knows anyone who would like to place a child of this heritage-would you please keep us in mind to refer. Since this is our third adoption-we have a slim adoption budget and I am really doing some homework-but LDSFS was so great to work with and the only way to work with them now is thru a "designated adoption" domestically. They don't have a Pacific Isles international plan yet.

All it takes is one person to see this and pass it on to the right person. We have always been open to gender and heritage but now feel it is right to specify heritage for our little beautiful brown skinned samoan hearted son. Anyone can contact LDSFS in Boise Idaho and specify Joe and Patty. They will pass it on to us! Thank you and please keep us in your prayers. We know with our Heavenly Father, all things are possible! Thanks Patty in Idaho

[lyra smith]

I think it's really neat that you are looking for a polynesian child. My son is Tongan and I have always wondered if he would have brothers and sisters of his same heritage. His adoptive family is wonderful, but how cool would that be to be able to have a brother to learn about the culture with. I can only hope that he will want to participate in the wonders of the Tongan culture.
I agree with you, finding a polynesian child outside the church is very difficult. Culturally, Polynesians frown on adoption outside the family. I know a few families in utah that have placed polynesian children but usually it is the white mother that makes that choice.
Anyway,
Good luck to you. maybe you could send your e-mail address to me just in case. You never know who will consider adoption. It's lyras64@hotmail.com

[pattybeagley]

Thank you Lyra!

I've emailed you personally already-thank you for your support.

I've heard quite a few birthmom's on these "adoptive parent support" sites, especially the ones that change their names alot but the tone is the same, that just love to play games and get people's honest feelings and emotions ruffled with aparents just really for the fun of it. It is really refreshing to hear a birthmom (like you) who really is helpful and honest and full of integrity with asking questions and offering help. You sound like a kindred spirit.
Thank you! It made me feel good hearing from you.

[mommawannabe]

I've seen several programs for that region. (Please note that I know nothing about these agencies)

SAMOA: http://www.journeysoftheheart.net/in...nal/samoa.html

PACIFIC ISLANDS: http://www.focusonchildren.com/programs/ppacificis.html

MARSHALL ISLANDS:
Also look into Marshall Islands although I've heard things are changing there. They used to take the birth mothers to Hawaii and do the adoptions there and now they can't do that anymore so it's an Int'l adoption? or something like that.
http://www.adopting.com/chi/marshall.html
http://www.journeysoftheheart.net/in...c_islands.html
http://www.ifservices.org/marshall.html

Remember there's a $10,000 tax credit so don't let the costs of Int'l scare you off, you'll get $10,000 back.

Good luck,
I hope you'll have a new little sweetie in your home soon!

--mommawannabe

[tsg]

Care-to-Adopt has a very good looking program for Samoe, if you are still interested.

[pattybeagley]

Thanks for the info! I had no idea that there was an agency that worked with America Samoa on adoptions. I have requested information regarding their program. Thank you so much!

[secondchance]

Dear Patty,
This may really be a shot in the dark, but we were in the Lafayette Colorado ward (in Louisville, Colorado) 2 1/2 years ago. There was a great family there (I think he is the bishop now) with the last name Lolotai who had two adopted children from Samoa. The children are teenagers now. They may have some ideas and information that they could share with you. I don't think they would mind being contacted at all. I think the parents are both Hawaiian, and I believe that Sister Lolotai said that she had a sister who worked in some social services office in Samoa. Good luck.
Gail