[N.Gwinn]

Hello everyone,
It has been a long time since I have been on this site. In fact, it has been so long that I forgot what my old username used to be and had to re-register.

My husband and I adopted a little boy from Russia three and a half years ago, and during the process of adopting, I spent a lot of time on this forum. Angelkisses, I am glad to see you are still here! You had a lot of good information. We now have two children. Our younger, biological, daughter came two years later. Surprise!

For all of you who are in the process of adopting... hold on and stay persisitent. It is so very much worth the effort, and the money, and the emotional rollercoaster, and all the rest of the nonsense! I have attached a picture of my two children.

The reason that I thought of you guys is because a friend of mine is thinking about adoption. She is single and 44. I have no idea what is going on in the world of international adoption. Are there contries that are significantly easier right now? How is it going with Russian adoptions? Any personal ideas and thoughts would be appreciated and of interest.

[kretzklan]

Hello - I've been here since around the time you must have been...we've been home 3.5 years as well. It seems all countries are tough right now. Guat is closed to new (at least when I last checked), China is really off singles, Ethopia is moving, but slowly...of course this is all info just from reading other boards. Russia is tough as well...hopefully folks in process can give more info! Your kids are beautiful!

[GCS]

Thanks for posting! Great photo of your two beautiful kids!

If your friend is open to either sex, Russia is still a good fit. Its more expensive than it was 3 years ago. I would say you need to budget at least $50K today to adopt one child. But there are some agencies right now that there is no wait for a boy under 2.

Another note, you may not have had to wait the 10 days out 3 years ago (depending on region). Today that is expected. So many people are taking 3 trips now. This also brings the cost up.

One IA doctor I have spoken with feels that there are less healthy children today than there were 4 years ago when we adopted. I don't know that I agree completely. We know many families who are bringing home healthy children. I think today more than ever choosing an agency that works in many regions is very important. Also it important to work with a good IA doctor.

Take care!

[MamaChinch]

Hi there! I am single and chose Russia because it seemed the best fit for singles. I know there are some other EE countries that might be also. I was treated as a "family" by my agency and by Russia.
IA is, in general, more difficult now, and the 10 days is not usually getting waived. She may have to make three trips instead of two and there is more paperwork. But like you said, totally worth it!
Good luck to your friend! Your children are beautiful!

[2Bulgarianbeauties]

Bulgaria is moving, but the focus is more on the older kids right now 4 and up. They are placing the younger ones (6 months and up available for adoption) but the wait for a match is about 18 months for one that young. 2 easy trips, great country, great food. Good country for singles.

[k8c]

I wouldn't recommend anyone starting out in Russia right now. I think there are better options--Ethiopia, for one. I am encouraged to hear that Bulgaria is moving along well.

In the three+ years I've been working on my adoption, things have changed quite a bit. I think there are easier options--and lots of children who need homes. That said, if her heart is in Russia then she needs to go to Russia.

PM me if you or she would like.

[amyfk]

My social worker came to my home the other week for a visit. She said that due to the current difficulties in the overseas options for intl. adoptions, the mass-majority of her families are now waiting to adopt domestically. It's been a real reversal from when I started out.
Amy K, NJ

[angelkisses0102]

I have nothing to add on Russian adoption at this time but had to post to say your kids are adorable! And yes I am still around...