Because of the slowdown in Ethiopia, I have had a lot of messages about Ugandan adoption, so I thought I should update this thread. Rwandan adoption is essentially halted currently, from what I understand, while they implement the Hague, but there are others here with more information about that, specifically ariah'smum. :-) Ugandan adoption is alive and well, and there are agencies operating there, but you can just as easily adopt independently for a lot less money. If you are looking for an older or special needs child, AAI is a wonderful agency, and their Ugandan program coordinator is working tirelessly to find families for these kids. The best place to gather information is on the Ugandan adoption facebook group. It's a closed group, so you have to request to join, but as long as you're an interested family, you are eligible to join, we just want to keep out anyone working or volunteering for agencies, orphanages, lawyers, etc, so that we can all speak freely. In a nutshell, you can go with an agency, and other than AAI, I don't know anything about any of them, so can't speak to that. The facebook group is great if you have questions about agencies. If you want to adopt independently, you contact a reputable lawyer (again, facebook group is great for recommendations) who may or may not be able to help you find a waiting child. There has been a flood of interest in Ugandan adoption, so finding a baby is much more difficult now than even a few months ago, but it's not impossible. If you are willing to make a trip to Uganda to network and find a child, it can be done rather quickly and ethically. If you can't do that, you have to contact babies' homes yourself, and inquire about waiting children. Uganda is not going to be a great place to adopt babies from -- it can happen, and there are many abandoned babies each year in some regions, but the wait for these children is only going to grow, while so many toddlers, young children, and older children wait and wait. I have known families who have adopted Ugandan children of all ages (including teens) and it is amazing how well they adjust. The Ugandan culture is very warm and loving, and the kids are held and loved and honored. My kids are nuts, I have to run, but join the facebook group if you're seriously wanting more information about Ugandan adoption!
I'm trying to focus on how much more convenient it will be to travel in January (courts close in december) for so many reasons, plus a little more time to prepare, but I want them home NOW!!! I *may* still get to go in november, but I highly doubt it...
