Marty K

I loved your openness....and your willingness to reach out to the less fortunate. My daughter adopted two girls (ages 8 and 13) from Russia. My husband was really worried that it would be a big mistake. We all agree it was a "God-thing"! It has turned out sooooo well. She has had them 9 years now and one is in graduate school working on a doctorate in Psychology and the other is a Jr. iin college working on an art degree. How very very much they enrich our lives. You will be in my prayers and I know you will be led to do the best thing for all concerned.

laughingquilter

My family has been build through adoption, not international, but multi-racial and multi-cultural. I think your heart is in the right place but it's definitely something that you have to consider for long-term. I adopted from within the United States as my feelings have always been that there are children right here in this country who need us, they just don't make the news. That said, my girls have both been raised in predominantly white communities and done very well.....both have been on the honor roll, involved in things, etc. I've run into my share of people wanting to tell me how "lucky" the girls are to have me.....to which I've always replied - and believe with all my heart....."they're not half as lucky as I am to have them!"

Annaquilts

I am glad to hear that and hope you adopted many children from the foster system. Every child deserves a home no matter where they are from.

Annaquilts

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Marty K

The fear of the bio. parent reclaiming them, encouraged me to adopt internationally....but I do agree that there are so many here in America who need a family. I know, I grew up in a orphanage in St. Louis and always dreamed of having parents!

laughingquilter

There are so many things to consider when making the decision to adopt. We all have to make the decisions that work best for ourselves and for the children we bring into our families. There are many children in the world who need loving families...I'm just glad that we all have different wants, needs and opinions so that our lives can be blessed with diversity of all types.

ewesful

There are many, many children right around you that need homes - I have done longterm foster care for years - by request- and I have had a safe home for batteresd women once the kids were out of the house.

Wendys Quilts

Back in 2004 my husband and I decided to adopt from China. We waited 2 years to get on the referral list and then when we were told we were on the list, I found out I was pregnant. It was a tough decision for us not to finish the adoption, with all the time, money and emotions that went with it. However, I whole-heartedly believe in adoption. I think it is a wonderful thing. It does involve a lot of emotions that is inside you, time and money. Prior to deciding on China, were thought about adopting locally. But we found (in our area) that it would be very difficult. Doing it locally would mean the mother, right up to child-birth, had a chance to still back out of letting her baby go. We didnt want to take the chance on all the money you spend on the mother and baby, if the mother could change her mind at the last minute. I know that probably sounds petty, but at the end of an international adoption at least you will be matched with a child.
If you decide international, like others have said, be sure to find a reputable agency. AND look at the time frame on how long it takes. We were told that it could take 6-9 months, but it was more like over two years!

Good luck. Adoption is a wonderful experience. You have a wonderful heart to open for another child.

AngieS

We have friends that adopted 3 children-2 from China and 1 from Cambodia. They are doing very well. All adorable children. :) Our cousin adopted twins from Romania-they are around 12 years old and doing very well.

Very expensive but very sweet reward. :) Good luck on your journey.

sewingmom3

My husband and I have a biological son, but after many years of infertility we adopted 2 girls while living here in Hong Kong,thy are now 23 and 20 and attending university. Overseas adoptions are very expensive,most likely Japan does not have very many oversea adoptions,from my knowledge. Mine was done in Hong Kong through the social welfare dept. We could never have done this financially by living in the states,but were lucky to go through the process here.