We chose China for a number of reasons. China has a very stable adoption program (even now w/ the wait being 4+ years). The children are beautiful. We met the requirements. One 2 week trip (rather than multiple trips). And the paperwork wasn't so bad.
I would first figure out what countries you're drawn to & then go from there. Are there certain countries you'd love to have a connection to? http://international.adoption.com/ has the "rules" for every country so you can see if they even have an adoption program. You could also contact an agency in your area that has several international adoption programs to see what the differences are & what program would work for your family better.
All I can say is that no matter what route you choose, you will have a wait. The wait is HORRIBLE but the end result is SO worth the wait!
Good Luck!
Traci
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We have always felt a connection with Africa and now that we have one child from there I don't see an end in sight! LOL Most African country programs are very accepting in terms of requirements and it's very sad but true that adopting a black baby costs less than adopting a caucasian one. I personally think it should be the other way around. Haven't these peoeple seen how cute African babies are?! Actually let's not let the secret out 'cause I like my adoptions costing less! ;-)
__________________ Keltie (30) & Blake (33) Married 6/16/01 DD Kenya (11/30/04)
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God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
We choose Korea for a number of reasons. The Korea program is stable and very long standing (the Korean war started international adoptions around the world); the US has a very good relationship with Korea and there is little chance of diplomatic relations affecting adoption...and we wanted it to be safe for travel since my husband in a Marine. Not every country looks favorable at our military.
Most of the children are in loving foster homes; being in a family environment allows the babies to bond and attach to a caregiver and grow naturally. The children are very healthy and cared for extremely well. The healthcare in Korea is practically identical to ours. Many of the mothers receive lots of counseling during their pregnancies and sometimes are even able to live in an unwed mother's home. It is important to me that adoption is a last resort for the children...if our sons could have stayed with their birthfamilies I would want that to be able happen. There also is the option to have your child escorted home instead of you traveling to Korea, but that had no weight in our decision. Traveling to the land of my child's birth is what I looked forward to experiencing!
But mainly, it felt right. A peace was placed in my heart about Korea. Once we looked into the Korea program, my husband and I both knew our children would be born in that beautiful country.
Cynthia
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DS2 (17 mo) waiting for us in Korea! (traveling June 10!!)
Thyroid Cancer Survivor since 09 April 2004
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If you are going through hell, keep going.
~Winston Churchill
I choose Guatemala for many reasons. At the top of the list are:
1) The children are placed in a Foster home. 2) You are able to visit if you want to. The number of visits are dependent on your agency and financial situation. 3) The length of time was reasonable at the time. Originally 6-8 months from referral to bring home your child. (see my note at the bottom about current timelines). 4) The requirements to be eligible to adopt were pretty open. I am single and was 28 years old at referral. 5) Pickup trip was 4-7 days on average. 6) Travel costs were much lower than other countries. Although country fees were higher than other countries. It seems to average out.
Currently In-process cases are still moving ahead. No new cases are being approved until after the US becomes Hague compliant in April 2008. After that there is no telling what the timelines or requirements will be.
I would definitely recommend Guatemala, once the system is straightened out over the next year.
My son is wonderful and amazing. If you would like any more information, let me know.
International Adoption 
