[banaenche]

Hi all,
just had to let somebody know, that we've finally come to a decision. We chose Russia as our country, and "Wyoming Children's Society and Family Services" as our agency. I am so excited that we finally can get started. We played with the idea of Nepal as our chosen country for a while, but due to recent developments in this country and new rules, we decided to change our mind.
Hard to belive that in about a year I am going to be a mom. Took long enough now.

Have a wonderful weekend.

P.S. Please keep Uncle Bob in your prayers, he died last night from Lung Cancer. Thanks

[kretzklan]

Congrats - I hope it happens in a year as you are planning! Here's to a smooth journey.

[votemom]

i too wish you a great journey to your little one. come here for support when you need it and please keep us updated!

[MamaChinch]

Wonderful well wishes for the start of your journey to your child!!!

[MichiAmy]

Congrats on your big decision! Now the fun begins

[RussianTutor]

Congratulations on such important decision. Good luck and I do hope you will be together with your baby soon enough.

[amyfk]

Congratulations and best wishes to you. Let the journey begin!
Amy K, NJ

[Military Momma]

Welcome and congratulations on choosing your country and agency! These are the really hard decisions to make. Rest assured that everyone here on the Russian Forum are willing to help with any questions you may have!

Welcome again and I can't wait to hear of your progress! Believe me...that year will go FAST!

[Bcelli]

Congratulations on making this step. It's a wild ride, so keep the faith and a sense of humor. Condolences on Uncles Bob's passing.

[highesthopes]

We too are with WCS. We are waiting on a referral for a little girl under 24 months.

[mikiment]

So sorry to hear of your loss of your uncle, may your memories be a comfort to you at this time.

On a happier note, congratulations on choosing the country and agency with whom you will begin this fantastic journey. Best wishes for a smooth, speedy process toward this exciting next chapter of your life.

[lovestruck]

Congratulations on choosing and agency and a country, a very big step in the process.

Here's my advice, not that you asked, hope for a speedy process, but prepare yourself for the rollercoaster ride called Internation adoption. It's a beautiful beautiful thing and like votemom said, come here for support. These boards will become your lifeline during your wait, they did mine, even after I switched countries I still came here and still do because the community here is just wonderful!

Best of luck!!

[banaenche]

Thanks to everyone for your continuing support. I really appreciate each and every one of you. I often daydream about writing "THE" post when we get a referral, when we are going to travel and so on.
So, thanks again

Alex

[LoriBSJ]

Hi. I am brand new to these forums and came across you announcement. I wish you and your family the best as you continue on your journey.

I am only beginning to consider international adoption and was wondering if you would be will to share how you came to the decision to adopt from Russia. There is so much info out there I am not really sure where to start.

Thank you!
Lori

[banaenche]

Originally Posted by LoriBSJ

Hi. I am brand new to these forums and came across you announcement. I wish you and your family the best as you continue on your journey.

I am only beginning to consider international adoption and was wondering if you would be will to share how you came to the decision to adopt from Russia. There is so much info out there I am not really sure where to start.

Thank you!
Lori

Hi Lori,
We started by researching adoption countries first. We weeded out all the countries we dont qualify for (like kazakhstan wants both parents to be US citizens which I am not), then all the countries that won't let us adopt a child under the age of 3 (Hungry was a favorite for a while until they decided no international adoptions under age 8). We were a little hesitant at first about the cost of Russian adoption, but it seems that it is right now one of the most stable countries, and we definitely qualify.
We had our favorites in agencies for different countries we considered, and talked to all of them several times. We finally went with Wyoming Children's Society because they are about 1 block from where I work, and after meeting with them personally (they were so nice), it was easy to pick.
It took us from final decision to pursue international adoption to picking country and agency a little over 3 months. Yes, my hubby and I are big planners, and research is a part of my job anyway.
So good luck to you, for us the paperchase has just begun.