One of the more difficult decisions to make once we decided to adopt is from which country to adopt (we always planned to adopt internationally). It seemed kind of strange to pick a country. How do you decide? What would/should shape our decision?
At first I think our interest in various countries was based on the exposure we had with friends or acquaintances that had adopted. Many factors came into consideration, some of which include:
- The amount of travel time required (definitely a consideration because of Ben & Sam)
- The state of adoption in different countries (some countries are unstable, some have very long wait time etc.)
- The support network available in our community and the twin cities in general as it relates to the number of adoptees from various countries.
- The age of the child was important to us. We (and Children's Home Society) felt strongly that it is important to retain the birth order within our family (ie. not adopt a child the same age or older than our youngest.
Gradually we started sensing God leading us toward the Korea program. Children's Home Society has a very strong influence in the Twin Cities, Minnesota and surrounding states. The Korea program was one of the first in Minnesota and there is a large community of adopted Koreans and many programs to help cultivate cultural awareness and assist with the journey of adoption.
At times we struggle with the idea that the need for adoption is not as great in Korea as compared to some other third-world countries where famine or disease is the primary reason for orphaned children. In Korea, it is primarily for social reasons that the children are orphaned.
In the end, we know that ALL children need a loving father and mother and family, regardless of the reason they are without. I (we) really look forward to loving this child unconditionally and to learn more about the heritage and culture from which she was born.
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