How did we come up with Armenia?!?

As Tamara mentioned, once we had laid out the myriad options for international adoption, we began to whittle down the list based on what we knew of the various countries, and our own limitations.  We know that we want an infant, gender isn't a deciding factor, cost is a concern to some extent, and the wait time is a concern.  We are also aware of our own limitations due to our current job situations, so extended in-country stays are difficult. 

Here's a little more information on the international process.  Some countries have very long wait times - some exceeding 3-5 years - so we chose to eliminate them.  Some have requirements that were unacceptable to us.  Morocco, for example, requires you to be or convert to Islam in order to adopt.  Some countries would only adopt older children.  Some had difficult procedural requirements that we couldn't deal with.  Some, like Colombia, had long in-country stays that we can't do with our current jobs.


There is another factor to discuss, but I'm not quite sure how to address it correctly.  One of the more difficult decisions we faced with regard to adoption was about children with moderate or severe physical or mental handicaps.  This was a difficult, heart-wrenching aspect of the decision process for me.  Human nature leads us to desire for our children to be fully healthy, and developmentally "normal".  When adopting, this desire takes a brighter spotlight, as you have much more control in the matter.

When it comes to adoption, there is a tremendous need for prospective parents to adopt special needs children.  Speaking from a purely economical standpoint, countries offer shorter wait times, lower administrative costs, and other incentives to help parents who are willing to make this commitment.  Even so, because of the added complexities of adopting special needs children, there are far too few who are willing to make this step.

I can't speak for Tamara, but I really struggled with this choice.  With so many children in need all over the world, could I really be so conceited as to "pick and choose" a healthy baby over so many others who needed a stable home?  Would I even be capable of raising a special needs child?  Am I a bad person for taking the easier route?

In the end, through much prayer, and an honest assessment of my abilities, availability, and our family dynamic, we were led to choose a healthy baby.  After the decision, I have a profound respect and gratitude for those who choose the other path.  As for us, however, we really felt that we were not called in that direction.

So after we had gathered all of the information, research, and discussion, and been through all the prayer, hair pulling, and trepidation, we narrowed our list to about 4 - 6 countries.  Armenia was actually one of the last countries we added to the list.  And one night, while looking at information for what seemed like the 50th time, Tamara said to me, I really feel like we're supposed to adopt from Armenia.  At the time, I hadn't really felt drawn to any of the countries, so I said okay and started to do more research.

The Armenian program is a very small operation compared to some, with only 3 or 4 agencies working in country and a low number of children adopted annually.  The wait time was short, and healthy children 6-9 months old were available.  The in-country requirements were acceptable and the cost was moderate compared to other countries and agencies.  So it met all of the "technical" requirements.

But then I started researching the country itself.  I saw a proud, independent people with a rich cultural history.  I recognized a deep spiritual history of Christianity that endured and survived Soviet rule.  I saw a beautiful country that has been ravaged by very difficult natural disasters and economic poverty. 

I may be reaching here, but I actually see some beautiful parallels to the Scottish people.  Photos of the Armenian highlands strike me as very similar to those in Scotland.  The depth and history of Christian influence is easily recognized.  The people are proud of their unique cultural heritage.  They've fought against the influence and impact of larger nations who wished to envelop them.  And through it all, they've always fought on with an indomitable spirit and courage regardless of their situation.

I look forward to continuing to learn more about the people and country.  But I already know this much.  I feel like we've made the right choice for our family, for our future, and for the child we'll eventually be bringing home.  And so, if it's not Scottish, it's Armenian.