Comments on: In-Country Support: What Can You Expect?

By: Mindi

Mindi — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 02:38:43 +0000

Nicki,
I too, am very curious as to which agency you used as it sounds wonderful! Would you mind sharing?
Thanks!
Mindi

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:10:18 +0000

I love this website! I am early in the process, so appreciate having the guidance. Nicki, many have asked which agency you used, but it is not posted. Are we not allowed to post agency names on this site? Also, I have read many references to your site, but not an address for it. Please share!
Thanks,
Jen

By: Trisa

Trisa — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:05:22 +0000

Would you please share who your agency is/was? Your experience is much like ours was in China. I’ve been quite concerned that we would not get such help in Vietnam because our agency works exclusively with China and we have no idea which agency to use. We would sure appreciate hearing who your agency is.
Thanks,
Trisa

By: Darlene Wills

Darlene Wills — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 21:05:03 +0000

Sorry that last post I put my maiden name. It is Darlene Wills.

By: Darlene Wills

Darlene Wills — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 21:04:23 +0000

I love the experience you had in Vietnam. Could you tell me which agency you used and any others that you may recommend?

Darlene Walker

By: Manda

Manda — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:41:26 +0000

Nicki,

Regarding your in-country support (sounds like a wonderful agency), who did you use? I know, like you said, this is not an edorsment of the agency (I have done many hours of research on many issues myself), I will just be adding the information to the already large amounts of info I already have.

Thanks.

By: Nicki

Nicki — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:44:23 +0000

Jenny - I think that for almost all the points there are those who would benefit from the exact thing another family might find a detriment. I don’t think there is any right or wrong answer for most of those points. I remember when we first started the paperchase I was SURE I did not want a family group and wanted to just travel solo with my own family but when we traveled I really wished we had more of a family group! haha. Sometimes you don’t know what would work best until you are already in the situation either.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:39:03 +0000

On the other hand I think asking if a babysitter is availble in case there are sleep issues or you need a break due to mental exhaustion might be a good idea as well. We had one available even though we would never have used it. BUT, some singles were there and had to use for their own health.

Our in country support was wonderful but then again, I have heard other PAPs complain due to too many families in country. Or experiences with other countries (like the China thing) and you need to make sure you have set your expectations up for Viet Nam and what you are provided there and not what you experienced in another country.

By: Nicki

Nicki — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:23:56 +0000

Jenn, the babysitter issue is a good one that I will add to the original list of questions. We did not have any situations where we were expected or required to leave our baby with a babysitter but many parents do and some are unprepared for this and uncomfortable with saying no but equally uncomfortable with agreeing. It is a good question to ask up front or at least think about so you know how you will respond should it come up for you.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:19:15 +0000

We were asked if the twins did well with the “many other babies” in the orphanage. I think they were kind of testing us to be sure that we had been to the province and all as they were two of the three babies in their orphanage! Also, we were asked if we paid any extra fees while in country, when we recieved our referral, how long until we had travel notice…pretty much making sure what we said lined up with what info they had.
I also was required to hold the twins up and have them both look at the interviewer (not easy on your own with two 4 mo olds!) as the one was asleep and the other crying and he wanted to see if they looked similar as twins should (irks me, twins do NOT always look alike.) He also asked if I had any pictures on hand of the twins to add to the file, which I just happened to.

I agree with asking questions. The only way you are going to be pleased with an agency is if you have honest expectations of what to expect with them before, during, and after adoption. You need to know what to expect while you are in country. I, for one, was glad to have a very free schedule while in country as I was able to get out, walk the streets and see Hanoi, the real Hanoi. I choose where I wanted to eat and when and worked it around the babies’ schedule. Being that I had 2 children at home, it was important to me to have them with me rather than leave them with a babysitter while I went out to fancy dinners and such. I knew that once I got home, this one on one time with them would be over.

The type of care you get with an agency in country will also be reflected in the agencies’ fees. One that has a big staff to escort you daily will cost more than one who hires only a facilitator. Just know what your agency will do so that you don’t have any dissapointments along the way!