China Adoption

JILLIANN · 02-19-2004, 06:23 AM

We are just starting to research adopting from China. Has anyone adopted from China using Great Wall China Adoption or Children's Hope International? And as I said we are just starting to research the whole adoption process so any information or stories would be so helpful!

Lisa67 · 02-19-2004, 09:57 AM

Well, yes I have! I just returned on Feb. 11th with my darling little Emily!

I have tons of info--and if you look at "Emily's Here" you will see her sweet little face. I have heard good things about both agencies you asked about but if I may recommend "China Adoption With Love (CAWLI)" I will--because they are ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! You can find them at http://www.cawli.org/. I have nothing but great things to say about my agency! (I didn't notice where you live--they only do adoptions in certain states per a new regulation.)

Our whole experience was life changing. It's a long process at times, although the wait from DTC (Dossier To China) to referral is currently down to about 7-8 months--huge change from prior months. We had frustrations at times but usually just with the process in general.

You do have to be at least age 30 to apply to China, but you can do a lot of legwork and research ahead of time. Good luck to you and please ask me if you have further questions. This is one of my favorite topics--ask away! Best of luck to you!! You won't regret this decision for one minute!!!

PS---Here's an extra photo since she's so sweet!

dna · 02-19-2004, 10:46 AM

Hi Jill !

We are going to be adopting China as soon as I turn 30 ! Currently I am 28 like you

Maybe we can be process buddies when the time comes

I am SO excited about being closer to my sweet girlie (it doesnt help that Lisa's Emily is ADORABLE) LOL

Take Care,
Amy

JILLIANN · 02-19-2004, 05:38 PM

Thank you so much for all the info Lisa! I will check out the adoption agency. Your daughter is just beautiful! I did know that you had to be 30 yrs old before you could adopt from China but I am the type that doesn't do anything without TONS of research. I do have a question for you-do they know the birthdate and any medical history on the babies? Thanks again for all your help and I am sure I will have a lot more questions for you! Amy I would love to have a process buddy! I never thought I would want 30 to get here faster!

dna · 02-19-2004, 06:43 PM

I agree with the 30 can't get here fast enough !

Sometimes there is a note left with the girls when their Birthmom leaves them, saying what day they were born. Sometimes its a gestimate

and generally no there isnt any medical info but the babies are usually taken well care of in utero.

HTH and Lisa can probly add some more insight as well

AprilR · 02-19-2004, 11:24 PM

I'll vouch for Childrens Hope. I know many people who have used them and have nothing but wonderful things to say. I have a good friend who used them to adopt a girl from Russia.

We are planning to use them to adopt a boy from Russia or Kazakhstan soon.

Good luck with everything. Keep in touch here, we could be going through all this at about the same time. It would be great to have a pal!!

Lisa2008 · 02-20-2004, 12:07 AM

congrats on the decision. we adopted publicly, so i wont be of much help, but i just wanted to welcome you. really good things are always happening here!

btw lisa, she is soooo pretty and bright! more pictures!!

Lisa67 · 02-20-2004, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dna
Sometimes there is a note left with the girls when their Birthmom leaves them, saying what day they were born. Sometimes its a gestimate and generally no there isnt any medical info but the babies are usually taken well care of in utero.

Amy hit the nail on the head! Unfortunately for us we did not have a birth note. Wish we did--but we do know she who found her and where--but that's it. Her birth date is a guesstimate, they are assuming it was February 27th by her development--she was found on the 28th.

The health is generally outstanding for these babies. Most come with colds or ear infections (as Emily did) but you will not receive a special needs baby unless you ask for one. Something I must say, though, is that a woman who adopted with me had the heartbreaking decision of returning her child because she did come with disabilities when she wanted a healthy child. Very, very tough decision to make!!

Please, let me know if I can help further!

And here's one more piccy to make you smile...

Lisa

JILLIANN · 02-25-2004, 05:13 AM

Thank you all so much for all the info and your kind words. We are going to an information meeting at Children's Hope on 3/1 just to learn more about the process. Thanks again for all your support. I really appreciate it!

AprilR · 02-25-2004, 03:10 PM

Jilliann,

I just noticed that you are in Nashville, we're neighbors! The meeting for CHI will be great! We went to one in Oct and I'll just say...be prepared and bring tissues!!

Take Care!