[rae529]

Could anyone provide information as to what agency or facilitator you have used and how it worked out? We are just starting out and wanting to gather as much info as possible so we're ready when the time comes.

We are looking to adopt a young boy (under 2) possible from the Odesa region.

Any info is helpful. Thanks in advance.

devries567@hotmail.com

[jmchowat]

There is a lot of information about facilitators on the yahoo adoption from Ukraine board, you might want to check that out. You will not have any choice on what region you can travel to though.

[krmelton12]

Why did you say the Odessa region (not that you really have a choice)? Our da. is from Odessa and I'm just curious.

[jmchowat]

I would like to go to Odessa as well, but mainly because we're traveling in December and I think the weather may be warmer. Our son is from Kherson, but I don't think there are many referrals from there these days

[hjdeth1]

Hate to discourage you, but Odessa is not that warm in December. I adopted from Odessa region (Bilgorod-Dvnestrovsky) in Nov02 and from Crimea region (Kerch) in Nov03. It was not as cold or snowy as Idaho or Minnesota in Nov, but was just as cold as St. Louis Missouri and Kiev was comparable to Idaho.

My advice would be don't worry about region, just go where your child is. And be prepared to widen your criteria beyond "a young boy (under 2)". Our children don't always come in the package we are expecting them in.

[rae529]

I stated Odessa because our church is partnered with a church in that area and I would like to visit them.

[hjdeth1]

Rae,
If I were you and wanted to visit your church partners in Odessa, I would arrange to arrive a few days early and take a quick trip there before the adoption starts. It will give you time to get over the jet lag and you will know you will get to make a visit.

I wouldn't plan on doing it after the adoption: 1) you don't know what condition your child will be in and you may need to make a quick trip home, 2) you don't know how long your adoption will take and after 4-6 weeks you will be ready to go home, and 3) your child will probably not be up to visiting and sightseeing after the adoption.

Best wishes,
Hannah