[marney]

Has anyone hosted a Russian child in their home for a few weeks through a program called Operation Hope? My family is interested in hosting one of these visiting children and I'm hoping to hear about people's experiences. The child, aged 7-12, would come from a Russian orphanage, visit for 2 weeks and would be available for adoption. Obviously an outcome of adoption is the point of the program, though the agency tries to package it as a vacation for the Russian child. I'm afraid that if I host, I might not feel a connection with the child and would feel very, very guilty sending him/her back to the orphanage.

I am interested in adopting an older child, so this program appeals to me. I have one bio child age 16. I'd be grateful to hear from anyone with direct or indirect experience on this subject.

[Dublin]

Have you hosted yet?? My boss is going thru the Homestudy Process right now to host with Operation Hope!!!

[lawood]

Hi
We hosted a 7 year old girl last summer. It was a great experience and we connected with her right away. The moment she stepped off the plane she was our child.
She was with us for 4 weeks, there were times it was emotionally draining but very much worth is. The hardest part was when she had to go back. It was devastating to put her on the plane.
If you would like to know more please feel free to send me a PM.

Best wishes on your journey

[boatsun]

The great thing about programs like that is that when they are with you it counts as your first vist.

Jeff

[jenmart]

Hi, I also know that if you decide not to adopt that particular child...they would like you to tell them ASAP..they will then find another host family who might be interested..Also, sometimes they switch children into different families..A child that you may not connect with may connect wonderfully with another and vice versa..so dont worry..Not sure about Operation Hope..but most programs like this try their very best to find a family for the children while they are visiting..Good luck..I havent hosted but it sounds like an amazing way to adopt..especially considering it cuts the costs of Trip #1!!

[Javalita]

The hosting seemed like such a good idea to me - giving older children a chance to find a family. It must be so hard for them, when little ones get adopted over and over. When I told my husband about what a great idea hosting is, he was mortified. He thought it was cruel and must be horrible for the children if they aren't wanted. The ultimate in rejection. So now I have mixed feelings about it. I guess it offers the children a great opportunity, but it could also mean going home without a family. I wonder how many times people host and DON'T adopt. Do they send their most "adoptable" older children?

This is such a back-and-forth issue in my mind! Any opinions?

[jenmart]

Yes, they do send their most adoptable children over..ones they feel could handle the change, healthy, etc..However, the children ARE NOT told that they are here to get adopted..They are told it is a summer camp..They have the time of their lives and when they are here, the agency will advocate to get these children adopted..through media, churches, everything!! It is a great program and the success rate is very hight.>Again, not familiar with Operation Hope..I was listed with Family Hope with Internatinal Family Services..However, usually 99 % of these children are adopted..They still have to go back to Russia, all of them..so it is not like they all stay and the ones adopted go back..There is a great website www.adoptionadventure.com

with some great video clips to get an idea of the program..It is just wonderful to watch these clips..Check it out, it might ease your mind..It is a wondeful way to have a child in you r home to see if they are a right fit for your family..What could be worse,,is you choose a child from a video, go to trip 1, spend a couple of hours with him/her..decide you want to adopt then go for trip 2 to bring them home and when you have them home for a few days,,you dont feel a connection, they dont ge t along with other children in the home, or vise versa..It is a GREAT program for the families and the children..Jen