[murdoc]

Hello everyone!
I know I have been away since Vietnam got pretty much shut down and we didn't make the cut. But I thought I would share what has been going on here.

After we got dumped by Vietnam we started to look into new options. We had to change agencies, countries and the majoity of our paperwork. Which really sucked since it had all been done last year.

We moved our adoption request to Kyrgyzstan where we had new problems to deal with. Notably the paperwork. Last week all the problems settled down and we were finally done with everything (a few minor details to tend to but nothing to worry about)

In the same phone call to the new agency with the good news about our dossier being finished we were asked if we would consider a child with a bilateral cleft lip...

We hadn't thought about it before, so the conversation went on. They apparently have a baby Asian boy only days old that would otherwise be sent to another agency for referral (since they didn't have a "special needs" family paper ready yet.) next week.

We talked for about an hour and agreed to think about it seriously. In the meantime we requested that he be checked out for further issues (HIV, HEP, etc.) For the moment the agency is holding him for us and we have been given as much time to reflect as we need.

We are happy to have the option to say that our adoption has at last come to a positive turning point. Though we never thought it would move so fast. We are still a bit in shock.

I remember a family for our forum adopted a lovely little girl with a cleft lip last year, though I don't remember who.

Have any of you hesitated for a referral?

[furrybluemom]

great news. Take your time and make the right decision for your family. During our last adoption process, we turned down a referral of two brothers locally. It was the hardest decision of our lives, but in the end they were adopted by the foster family's adult daughter and are doing great. It helps to be able to watch them grow and thrive. Our twins were matched to us several months later.
We finally got I-171H approval for Vietnam after only 17 months and 23 days, but like you it was too late. Now we have to decide what next.

[amyfk]

Dear Murdoc

I was very happy to read your post and hear that you have made the decision to move on to Kyrgyzstan. I know a gal who adopted from there and has been very happy. I am sure you will find the child who is right for you. Although I am not a Vietnam parent, I have lurked on this board for some time. I wish you the best.
Amy K, NJ