1. Why are we pursuing International rather than Domestic adoption?
- There are over 5000 SC families waiting for children under the age of 5. We have been blessed to have three under five which I have been told "just never happens". There is supposedly a 3-5 year waiting period. Asking for another one would be selfish.
- Those in foster care that need adopted right now are usually over the age of 7 and most over age 10. After experiencing several foster placements of children older than Flora, we discovered something we thought was unique to us, but upon further investigation, found that it was usual.
- Flora is our oldest child, and experience has shown us, as well as what we have recently read which substantiates it, that adopting a child older than the current oldest child, who is used to being the oldest, usually causes problems. We thought it was just Flora, but it’s actually quite documented. It’s called “disrupting the birth order” and as odd as it sounds, it happens whether the child is adopted or not. It usually affects the oldest child, but not so much the younger or middle children.
2. Why choose Eastern Europe for International adoption?
- We only qualify to adopt from a hand full of countries because of our age and divorce history. Every country has different parental parameters which they will or will not accept.
- Of the countries for which we do qualify, Reeces Rainbow had several adorable children in Eastern Europe which won our hearts. We are thrilled to be pursuing Caius and Hattie. We very much look forward to bringing them home!!
3. Why special needs?
- Why not? Like Jode says, they are all children in need of parents.
I hope this helps some of you who question our sanity! ;-)
Love you,
Kel
