1. Know the process - Make sure you know what to expect from your country of choice so you can hold your agency accountable. Join groups, read blogs and talk to people who have dealt with your country
2. Speak with your prospective agency about your expectations – After you have a good idea of the process speak with your agency and see if you find any holes. Did you hear something from someone using a different agency that you have a question about? Don’t let them talk you in circles. You are paying too much and have too much at stake to just take their word for it.
3. Research medical conditions – Learn the challenges and corrective actions that can be taken for common diagnosis so you are aware of what special needs you may be willing to consider
4. Consider widening your age range – You’d be surprised how easily you can fall in love with a 5 yr old even though you were searching for a 2 yr old J
5. Watch your home study wording and try to understand theirs – Wording can be very important and tricky when it comes to special needs. Did you know that for some countries that when the child reaches a certain age a diagnosis that once said mental delay will now read retardation??
6. Get to know the language – It takes us a lot longer to learn than it does the children and you need to be able to communicate, so start early
7. The FBI check takes FOREVER get that started ASAP
8. Moving will cost you money – Try to stay put if you can but if not consider the home study update as part of your moving costs
9. Pay attention to your Hague training - Consider the child’s circumstances and do not over romanticize your home coming or you could be very disappointed
10. Stay busy – If you are proactive and work hard on getting your dossier together time will fly. After that do a little around the house, get the room ready, read parenting books and enjoy the next bit of time to yourself because soon you’ll have your sweet child home and be praying for a moment to rest J
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