[SueP]

Hi,
I check this site periodically to see what is going on. I turned down a referral from Poland in October and am currently waiting for another referral. I'm wondering if anyone has any updated information on how adoptions are going in Poland. I'm wondering what if any effect Poland becoming part of the EU will have on adoptions. Is there anyone in the know out there who could bring the rest of us up-to-date? Thanks -

[Anita]

I think the effect of Poland joining the EU is already being seen with the changes made last year.

There is a more selective process in place for international adoption.

Poland's economy is growing, adoption is more of an option from within.

If/when Poland is accepted, I'm assuming there will be even less children available for international adoption.

As I said, personal opinion.

[Anita]

I would like to add that although I am frustrated with the Polish International Adoption Process, I am proud of my heritage.

My mother is 100% Polish American. When we were little, my grandparents would argue in Polish, so we could not understand.

I know enough about Poland's history to be very proud of the advances that have been made. They have fought hard to be independant and self supporting. They have a great deal of pride in their heritage, as they should.

[SueP]

Anita,
I too am frustrated with the process (although you have been waiting much longer than I) but am very proud of my heritage. There's alittle German in there somewhere, but we were raised celebrating holidays in the Polish manner. Both of my parents spoke Polish (as did all of my aunts and uncles) and my mother could also write and read Polish. She attended a Polish grade school in Detroit. Until she passed away, she still did math in Polish. We found little slips of paper with the numbers and their English spellings around the house. :)

This is one reason why it has been so hard to try and go to another country. I have been rediscovering my own Polish heritage preparing for this adoption and can't wait to share it. It has been great learning about Poland's history and learning the language. It has actually inspired a desire by others in my family to learn Polish and to travel to Poland.

Waiting is just hard. Once I decided I wanted to go this way, it was a done deal in my head. It is frustrating that I can't put into action what I want to do: travel to Poland, meet my child, raise her.

I think you and I are using the same agency. Are you one of the families they are planning on advocating for?

Sue