Sunday, my boys were “exposed” to the Webkinz “craze” through their cousins. Soon, I was asked daily if they could go and buy a Webkinz of their own. I promised my 7 year old that we would go one day after school. The temperatures dropped bitterly, so it took a few more days of being asked daily before we ventured out. My sister told me of a discount coupon for one of the stores on Webkinz web site – so of course I logged on. Little did I know that I’d be calling 5 local stores to be only told that they were... more

As we all know, international adoption in most countries is forever changing! The biggest changes from when we started to now – the guidelines are becoming stricter – family size, family status (divorce, single) are taken in to consideration, even DUI convictions from college are excluding families from adopting.

I went on the two agency sites and read the following guidelines:

Maximum age for adoptive parents is between 50 and 55 – depending on what agency you are using.

One agency doesn’t state any special requirement for single parent homes, while the other states that they are allowed to adopt one child of either gender.

Both say two trips – while one offers... more

From the Desk of Susan Saxon

Info about this year's Kazakh Aul of the US's Nauryz festival to be held on March 24th in Arlington, Mass is now up on the Aul's website, including information about programs and a downloadable registration form. Nauryz is a major Central Asian holiday to welcome the new year at the spring equinox.

Our Kazakhstan Culture Liaison, Assylgul Dalabayeva, is coming from Almaty to perform Dombra, plus traditional dances will be performed by Gulsaya Tuleubayeva, Daniyar and Bakhtiyar Baidaralin. Admission fees are cheaper if you register by March 17th http://www.kazakh-aul-us.org/Activities.htm

For... more

Taldy-Korgan

In November of 2002, a group was formed by adoptive families that adopted from Taldy-Korgan, Kazakhstan – if you have adopted or are in the process of adopting from Taldy-Korgan – please join them ----- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Taldykorganadoption/

Taldy-Korgan is a southeastern city of Kazakhstan and was founded in the second half of the 19th century. Food products, construction materials and diverse light industries predominate. Three parks exist in the city, the largest of which half encircles the city, industrial and agricultural colleges, and a medical school.

In July of 2005 –... more

Zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket --- or would they prefer to throw away the key?

Have you ever wondered why posting or emailing about a negative experience in international adoption is so strongly debated by those in the process of adopting? Many prospective adoptive families will post to inquire about an agency – and those with past negative experiences will respond only to be “blasted” or “flamed” by those who had a positive experience or are in the process of adopting and it “scared” them to read this. I feel like many want... more

The IU Navruz Student Association invites you to the Annual Celebration of Navruz, the New Year Holiday for many of the peoples of Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia (Kazakhstan), the Caucasus and Turkey. This year's Navruz Festival will be on Saturday, March 24, 2007 from 2PM - 7PM on IU's main Bloomington, Indiana Campus in the Wilkie Auditorium, 150 North Rose Avenue (off of E. 3rd Street). Following the program, "a taste of Central Asia" will be served in Forest dining hall. The IU Navruz Festival has three components: contemporary and traditional... more

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, many times adoptive families want to give back to their children’s birth countries. During my blogging research, I stumbled along another blog that a young man who is serving in the Peace Corps in Taraz, Kazakhstan wrote. He is trying to build a library in Taraz with English books – I hope you’ll take a moment to read about this and send a book or two their way. Below are some answers to questions another adoptive family asked. :)

(shared with permission) Thank you so much for getting in touch... more

When is “enough is enough”?

I read with interest an on going discussion on one of my groups about when enough is enough. An adoptive family had a failed Kazakhstan adoption and was delayed in the process during a second attempt to adopt; while a prosecutor explored legal requirements. The heart break (understandable so) was overwhelming for this family and she wondered if this was a “sign” that they shouldn’t adopt, wondered if they should start infertility treatment again or just accept that they should remain childless.... more

Well, all that hard work and preparation paid off - this past Saturday, Jordan and Rebecca exchanged their vows! It was a very special evening and although we had a few "mishaps" - all in all - it went very nicely and most importantly - everyone seemed to enjoy the night. Lots of laughter and fun.

Below is the final toast that I was able to do at their wedding:

Dear family & friends,

I’d like to welcome all of you and say thanks for sharing in this special night with all of us. Many of you know... more

Part 3 http://kazakhstan.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/how-to-talk-to-young-children-about-adop-3

Part 4

Shared with permission

I did NOT attempt to talk him out of his feelings, but listened and empathized. In this way, I knew that he would get the feelings on the outside so that they would no longer have the power to hurt him and he could begin to change them himself. No one appreciates or feels understood when they share their feelings with someone who dismisses them, doesn't accept them, as is, and fails to acknowledge them. Neither do others feel understood when... more