Sorry it has been so long since I have updated. Getting ready for school to start has kept me very busy!
We did finally decide on international adoption. I am completely psyched about this decision and I am trying to come to terms with missing the first 6-8 months and being okay with that. This requires focusing on the "big picture" which I usually can do fairly well, but when my emotions are involved it's a little more difficult.
The next big decision- an agency and/or country.
The agency I like the best is AWAA (America World Adoption Agency) which works with 7 countries. Our baby's nationality is not important to us, we are open to anything, so we are looking more at the financial side of that decision. Here are our choices if we go with this agency:
China- $24,690-$36,720- one trip required by at least one parent for 12-15 days- wait time I've heard can be up to 4 years (youngest 6 months)
Kazakhstan-$44,540-$58,440- both parents must go for 3-4 weeks and then at least one parent for 7-10 days -wait time 18-24 months (youngest 12 months)
Rwanda-$19,685-$27,990- at least one parent for 10-14 days- wait time 12-16 months (youngest children 3 months)
Ethiopia-$22,080-$32,580- both parents for 7-10 days and then at least on parent for 5-7 days-wait time 10-24 months (young children 1 month)
Brazil-$25,695-$37,395-both parents for 6 weeks- wait time 11-14 months (youngest children 5 years)
Ukraine-$32,710-$49,470- both parents for 5-7 weeks- wait time 12-15 months (youngest 14 months)
Russia- $46,485-$63,410- both parents on two trips, the first for 1 week, the second is 2-4 weeks- wait time 12-18 months (as young as 10 months)
Wait time= from the time the application is processed until a referral (you get matched with a child) is made
Youngest= that does not mean that is the age of the child when we bring him/her home. That is the youngest in the orphanages available for adoption. You have to add on time after that for them to be referred and then court, visas, etc.
So, based on this Russia (too expensive), Ukraine (trips are impossible), Brazil (we want an infant & trip is too long), Kazakhstan (too expensive), and China (four years!!) are out. That leaves us with Rwanda and Ethiopia. Rwanda is new to international adoption, i.e. their laws are constantly changing, but it is a little less expensive. Ethiopia requires two trips. We would meet and spend time with our child on the first trip and then have to LEAVE him/her there for TWO TO THREE MONTHS. I think that would be torture... Rwanda isn't exactly known for its safety and does not currently recognize or license foreign agencies but does not prohibit agencies from assisting families with the complicated paperwork and process.
Praying for guidance on this decision...
There's definitely a lot for you two to process and think about! I know it is hard to do, but just keep listening to your heart...as that's where I find that God lays the answers to many of my prayers. Whatever your decision, just know that you two have so many people that love and support you! Love you both!
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