Adopting internationally?

[blakehlhs]

My DH and I have 4 wonderful boys and now we are considering adopting internationally (GIRL!). We have chose Ethiopia. We are just starting to research. We will be using a local agency for the homestudy, but need help picking the right agency to do the international part. If anyone has any suggestions with that, it would be great. Also I was wanting to see if anyone who has went through this has any tips on financing or fundraising. Any advice or information is greatly appreciated! TIA

[zydeco]

None of my business and off topic......but why not adopt from the US?
There are already so many kids already here who need the chance for a better life.

[anastaciaknits]

There's actually a lot of reasons for adopting overseas. DH & I have looked into it, but we realized we just can't afford it & aren't in a place to do it right now and we are still relatively young enough to wait a few years (I'm 33, DH is 36). One of the reasons we were looking into it is the living conditions of the kids overseas is heartbreaking. We were looking into Russia; the government does not give the orphanages ANY money beyond limited funds for food. no clothing money, no money for electricity, heating, blankets, etc. The people who run the orphanage aren't paid, and what supplies, limited though they are, get sent to the orphanges are usually stolen & sold on the black market. If you are interested, please visit childrenincommon.org!

[blakehlhs]

[hbaqueen]

N/M see you only want to hear what you want to hear so n/m

[Valerie$$]

Russia has about 750 thousand children living in orphanages a a million more on the streets, it's insane. (Minus one, we brought our 2 1/2 year old boy home last week)
In the U.S, most of the kids in foster care are not available for adoption.
I think adoption is great no matter where you do it.. children are children.

[blakehlhs]

Originally Posted by Valerie$$ Russia has about 750 thousand children living in orphanages a a million more on the streets, it's insane. (Minus one, we brought our 2 1/2 year old boy home last week) In the U.S, most of the kids in foster care are not available for adoption. I think adoption is great no matter where you do it.. children are children.

That is awesome and congrats!! I totally agree, all children desevere a safe loving home no matter where they are from!! Best of luck to you and your new family!!

[mayanfire]

I'm not sure why everyone is getting upset about this. Shouldn't we all be happy that a little girl is getting a home? Should it matter where she was born? Is she less of a little girl because she's from russia? She will be a little girl who needs a loving family.

[hbaqueen]

Originally Posted by mayanfire I'm not sure why everyone is getting upset about this. Shouldn't we all be happy that a little girl is getting a home? Should it matter where she was born? Is she less of a little girl because she's from russia? She will be a little girl who needs a loving family.

I dont think anyone said they were upset. But what its worth my post was just some info on adopting in the US and I edited it b/c the OP jumped down a PPs throat for even bringing the idea up. And the PP was not nasty in the least bit they just said none of my business (but since you brought this to a public forum) heres my thought why not adopt a child who needs a loving home from this country.
There was no reason to get nasty about it. Whats wrong with the suggestion. Why not just say thanks for your post but Im only looking for information from people who have went thru international adoptions, our minds are made up, what have you. No need to get so defensive if you feel you have no reason to be defensive.
I think ALL children regardless of where they are born deserve a loving safe home.

But just as you asked is she less of a child b/c she was born elsewhere (and of course she is not!!!) Is a US child any less needy just b/c it resides in the US. Not necessarilly. Things get sugar coated a lot. And the truth is any child that doesnt have a safe loving home, food to eat, ect is in danger and should be helped.

No its not easy to adopt locally. But I think a lot of people put their wants ahead of the needs of children. Well I want a baby or I want a girl/boy or I dont want to wait as long ect. NOT saying that of the OP just saying some people do.

I think adoption is a beautiful thing regardless where a child is born and I am definately think OPs heart is in the right place. BUT I also believe the PP who suggested US adoption's heart was in the right place as well and didnt need to be "yelled" at.

[frugalstafar]

I've seen the places who support the Ukraine orphanges (operation hope chest?). Those poor children don't even have soap to wash with and get impetigo so bad their skin is open and raw. So if a child gets a home be it domestic or international I think its wonderful! I have friends who have adopted both ways-one friend got a baby through foster care very quickly, but she has the constant worry that the mother may try to reclaim him. My other friend has adopted 3 times from china-all girls, she said some of the biggest drawbacks were the lies she was told in reference to age and medical history and the fact they had to bribe the staff with gifts and money. SO good luck to you, I wish you and your family the best.