International adoptions are infamous for having many challenges and complications that come up throughout the process. While this is not always the case, working with two governments to adopt a child can be difficult. In spite of potential problems, families throughout the United States still believe that adopting a child is worth the effort. One Georgia family continues to be optimistic, although their adoption has taken more than four years.
This family, with three children of their own, began the process of adopting a child from Russia in 2010. As they moved forward in the adoption, they discovered that the 4-year-old boy they met and were going to bring into their family had a biological brother in another orphanage. This news caused the couple to start his paperwork, as well.
While they were working through the paperwork and background checks, the Russian government imposed a ban on adoptions of Russian children by Americans. This ban brought 46 adoptions in the works to a screeching halt. Since then, this family has been working with U.S. officials and reporters to reach the two little boys they had planned to make a part of their family.
Bringing these two boys together and giving them a loving home is what motivates this family to continue fighting on their behalf. The love created through adoption is displayed in the efforts that this couple has made. Although some adoptions may seem like more work than they are worth, adoptive parents in Georgia are quick to say the opposite. Changing the life of a child forever makes the process well worth it. Families interested in adopting a child, domestically or internationally, have resources and assistance available to them that can prepare them for and help them through the process.
Source: gainesvilletimes.com, “Russian adoption ban entangles North Georgia families”, C.L. Abercrombie, Feb. 8, 2015