We have friends that are in China adopting a beautiful baby girl right now. The journey for them to adopt a baby from China started over five years ago. They knew since they got married that they wanted to adopt a baby girl from China they just did not realize how long the process would take.
When you do an international adoption there are rules and guidelines that the country of origin requires for international adoption. It does not happen as fast as you see when some famous celebrity goes to a country and comes right home with a baby. Before you decide on what country you would like to adopt from you should do some research on the cost and regulations.
Here are some examples:
Russia you must take two trips to Russia. The first one is for about one week and the second is for 2-3 weeks. Another consideration for international adoption is the expense, with a Russian adoption can cost about $37,000.00.
Haiti you have to be married or living together for a minimum of 10 years. You must travel to Haiti at least once more visits may be recommended. The cost for adoption from Haiti is about $15,000.00.
Mexican adoption requirements are very similar to American adoption. If it is your first marriage you must be married 2 years and if this is not your first marriage you must be married for 3 years. The cost of adoption form Mexico is about $15,000.00. When you travel to Mexico to meet your child you are required to stay 3 to 5 weeks and when the adoption is finalized you will need to travel to Mexico again for 1 to 2 weeks.
If you are considering an international adoption because you think it will be quicker or cheaper than adoption in America you need to do your research. Adoptions in America can take some time that is true but it is true for every other country too. I am not trying to talk anyone out of international adoption, children that need families are in every country of the world and there is no child that is needier than another.
Our friends did a domestic adoption a few years ago and have a beautiful little girl and now they are getting ready to bring her sister home. They did not stop their Chinese adoption when they got their oldest daughter, they continued because that is what has always been in their hearts. They also did not turn down a domestic adoption because they had their heart set on Chinese adoption. They have a wonderful heart for adoption and now they have two beautiful daughters that have filled their hearts with love.
C & S we cannot wait to meet your new daughter.