As I mentioned in my prior post, I am contemplating international or intercountry adoption. The first big decision is what country to pursue as this will dictate which agencies I can use. Right now, my heart is torn between Nepal and Haiti.

Haiti is appealing because I have been involved in a Christmas ministry with a Haitian school. Each year my church sends care packages, and I love buying things for the kids. One of the interesting quirks about adoption in Haiti is that it takes two trips to Haiti to finalize the adoption. These can be short trips of a week or less.

Nepal intrigues me, and I am unsure why. Perhaps it is the lure of this mountainous country that calls to me.

Both countries have somewhat uncertain processes. Haiti seems to take at least 2-3 years to finalize the adoption, while Nepal is so new to the adoption process that it is not clear how long it would take there.

Depending on which country I decide on, I have narrowed it down to one agency for each. It appears that Nepal is limiting the number of families through each agency (ie 10 families per agency in 2009), so that may be a deciding factor as well.

I’m trying to take my time making these decisions. I have read three books on the process, so I think I have a grasp on how things work. And I have been reading some blogs to get the perspective of potential families. Most are very excited, but very frustrated during the lengthy waiting process.

I am trying to not rush into a decision, but to think it through first, especially since it will be a financial stretch for the adoption fees. The financing is a concern, but not the most important one. Being deliberate in the process is important to me as I don't want to just do something because I feel like I'm being left behind in the parenthood stakes. I'd rather do it because it is something I have always wanted AND (It's a big "and") God wants me to do it.