Around the World in 80 days- A parents adoption primer

Introduction:


In February 2000 we began our first adoption of a child in the Russian Federation. It took 12 months before we made our first trip and met our child. We began our second adoption June of 2003 and it took five months.

The process was new, confusing and somewhat arduous. In that time period one could not help but feel that we had been put through the proverbial ringer. If it wasn’t unknown regulation and red-tape it was travel and trepidation. It took just eighty days before we made our first trip to meet our next child, hence the title of this little book.

Irregardless of length, adoption is something like being pregnant. One never goes through a little adoption. Also like pregnancy it is a journey, and when the journey has concluded one seems to forget the discomfort and pain. As with all parents, having a new child in the family creates new challenges and issues and also unequalled joy and pride.

In this book I will be taking you on a journey. I have included a lot to think about. I believe however, that the candid assessment is but one small portion of the overall ride of your life. I hope that a glimpse of our journey energizes those seeking adoption and the joy a child can bring.