The Names!!!

"Blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than both...."

So far the front runners are.....

Dominic (means belonging to God) Stephen
Nathaniel John
Liam Patrick
Christian Ryan
Garrett
Gavin
Jonah
Owen
Josiah
Connor

There is only one girl name. It is a secret.


According to Ancient Chinese proverb, there is an invisible red thread that connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break.

Frequently Asked Questions

"All children come from God, for some the journey home just takes a little longer."- Unknown

First, the obvious -- Why Kazakhstan?

A couple of reasons.... First, and most importantly, the health of the children available in Kazakhstan is considered above average compared to that of children available for international adoption in many countries. The conservative religion and culture of Kazakhstan are thought to be responsible for the lower incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and other alcohol and drug-related health problems. Second, although the condition of the orphanage in Kazakhstan is similar to that of other Eastern European countries, the atmosphere of the orphanages and the attitude of the caregivers in Kazakh orphanages seems dynamically different. Children receive physical affection and stimulation, reflecting the warmth and friendliness of the Kazakh people. What the orphanages lack in resources they seek to make up in love!

Where is Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is one of the largest republics to come out of the breakup of the former Soviet Union. The northern borders touch Russia and the eastern borders touch China. Some fun facts: more than 3,000 Kazakh children have been adopted by families in the U.S. since 1997, the children available for adoption are usually of Russian and/or Asian background, Kazakhstan is the ninth- biggest country in the world and, thanks to huge reserves of oil and gas, is one of Asia's most important emerging economies.

What will the travel be like?

The Kazakhstan government requires adopting parents to spend at least two weeks visiting a child in his residence city before applying for adoption. Kazakhstani law also provides for a 15-day waiting period after the court hearing before the adoption becomes final.
Upon arriving in Kazakhstan, families traveling are greeted by an English speaking representative from the adoptive agency. Mine is Little Miracles, based out of Texas. They will have translators and coordinators available to assist me during the entire adoption process, including paperwork and translations. They will also serve as my guide in sightseeing and shopping, so I can experience the unique culture of Kazakhstan.

What is the pre-adoption process like and how far are you?
The short answer would be that the preadoption process is lengthy and tedious and I am not very far. For those interested, read further: The first step was chosing an agency. I spent days, weeks, and months agonizing over this decision. I asked questions, interviewed other PAPS(prospective adoptive parents), prayed, and researched. I finally chose Little Miracles, Int. So far, so good. I also chose a homestudy agency and scheduled that visit for next week. The the "paperchase" begins. I have to be fingerprinted, get background checks, get copies of my birth certificate, social security card, bank statements, medical reports, preschool report cards (just kidding) basically, it's just a lot of paperwork. After my dossier (re: more paperwork) is submitted, it is translated and sent to the embassy is either DC or NYC. From there it goes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kaz, and then to the specific region where I will travel. Once at the region, I will receive a LOI (letter of invitation). My Visa will then go to Kaz for processing, and I will begin making plane and hotel reservations, and then....leave for Kaz!!

How much does it cost?

I didn't want to include this question, but in the interest of providing information and honesty.... The total cost of adopting a child from Kazakhstan is approximately $33,000, counting all expenses including travel. here is a pretty good breakdown:


Application Fee
$250
1st Installment of Program Fee
$3,000
Home Study
$1,200 - $2,800
Additional Home Study Documentation Prep. Fee
$0 - $150
Home Study Visit Travel Fees(could include mileage, hotel, and food costs)
$0 - $500
Adoptive Parent Training
$175
Documents/Background Checks/Passports
$100 - $300
USCIS Fee & Update Fee + Fingerprinting
$830
Notorization, Certification & Authentication
$400
DOSSIER SUBMISSION & WAITING
2nd Installment of Program Fee
$1,500
Post-Adoption Report Deposit(fully refundable if all post-adoption reports are returned on time)
$2,000
Dossier Service & Translation
$1,500
Portion of International Fee
$2,000
Wait Time Dependent Cost
Home Study Re-Evaluation Fee and Related Travel Costs
$350 - $1,100
Home Study Document Addendum Fee and Potential Related Travel Costs
$175 - $825
Document Update/Background Check Update
$0 - $200
Notarization, Certification & Authentication
$0 - $100
REFERRAL & TRAVEL
3rd Installment of Program Fee
$1,500
Balance of International Program Fee (1 child) ••
$15,150
Consular Registration Fee
$150
Orphanage Donation Fee
$1,500
Airfare (2 adults) •••
$4,800 - $6,850
Airfare (1 child) •••
$600 - $1,400
Visas (2 adults/ 2 trips)
$850
Visa/Embassy Fee (1 child)
$400
Passport Fee (1 child)
$700
Medical Specialist Consultation
$100
In-Country Travel ••••
$5,000 - $7,000
POST-ADOPTION
Post-Adoption Visits
$300 - $1,500
Post-Adoption Visit Travel Fees
$0 - $1,050
Post-Adoption Report Refund(refunded in installments as, and only if, each report is returned on time)
($2,000)
Other Costs(include doctor visit and related co-pays, social security card, passport cost, postage, long distance phone calls)
$100 - $1,000

Not all of these costs apply to my program, but most do. Expensive, but I think worth it for the end result!!!

Thanks for reading....

Introduction

Hi Family and Friends!! Welcome to my adoption blog!!! I have created this site so that you can follow my on my adoption journey to the nation of Kazakhstan (formally part of the USSR)!!! For those of you who do not know, I began the adoption process in October 2008. It typically takes anywhere from 9-18 months. I will be updating the site with information and pictures both before I leave, while I am in-country, and after I return, so check back often!!! Feel free to sign the guest book, and thanks for reading!!!