The movie BORAT has hit the local movie theatres but has also “hit” the adoptive community by storm. And it is not so much the movie but the ignorance of the people having interviews about the movie or speaking about adoption from Kazakhstan.

An article in the Boston Herald has been circulating the various adoption boards: http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=165605 in support of adoption from Kazakhstan.

While... more

One of the benefits of the in country stay is the opportunity to shop for some traditional artifacts for our children. I think many typical items come to mind, the yurt, the dream catcher, and the nesting dolls. I HIGHLY recommend our two favorites – the DOLLS and the outfits for our boys (which our host daughter brought to us during her stay).

In Almaty you have the RAM Store, a 3-story mall, with a K-Mart-type store on the second floor. There is also a skating rink and a food court (just like home!).... more

I know Kazakhstan is currently promoting their country because of the negative view that comedian Borat is portraying the country as. I remember being given some advice way back when about sightseeing and enjoying the in country time while we were adopting. I hope you’ll find some of the suggestions available during your stay.

During Max’s adoption we did not explore as much – but during Logan’s adoption I would strap him on and roam for hours. Heck, it helped me take off ten pounds – it was great. A HUGE difference between... more

My little superman. :) Every year we have a Halloween party that our boys have grown to know and love. Even though this picture is a few years old - it remains one of my favorite treasured memories! It just captures the 'fun' of the night and makes me smile. Hope it brings a smile to your face too.

Take care,
Cyndi

A picture of a machine that we have NO IDEA what it is – this machine was at the baby house and they would bring the children to it for breathing treatments of some sort – it glowed!

Kazakhstan has been in the news lately because of the Borat movie – but the news that concerns me greatly is the HIV scandal in the Shymkent Region, which is one city over from Taraz, where our son Logan was born. I just read a report that at least one child adopted from the region lives in the USA. Although I know... more

It is amazing how much my “thinking” and views have changed from the time I first entered the adoption world till now. As with everything in life – I feel we learn, we grow and it shapes us into who we become. All our life experiences cause us to become “who” we are. It is neither right or wrong – just what it is.

I personally chose international adoption – partially because of the long waits for domestic adoption – but to be very honest – partially in fear that I’d have a birth member knocking on my door down the road. I was selfish, I didn’t want to share my “mothering” with another woman. Now I YEARN to be able to have Becca know her birth family – realizing that it would be... more

I’m sure many of you started in the country you knew you were adopting from, for me, I’ve always been paper ready for one country (all three adoptions) and adopted from another country. I did not know of Albania or Kazakhstan prior to either of my adoptions. And unfortunately with having a teacher who “napped” – honestly – she napped – during my history and geography class – I even had to learn their locations. I’ve also learned over the years that MANY people do not know where Kazakhstan is, how to pronounce it - but always ask. So when I ran across this article – A 60-Second guide to Kazakhstan, I read it with enthusiasm. I know for my son’s preschool – they said to keep our mission... more

During Logan's adoption we were able to experience Nauryz first hand - we LOVED it and framed the picture of Larry and I in full Kazakh attire - that was shared with us during our "stroll" from yurt to yurt.

I also know for my children's scrapbooks - I was hungry for information about the traditions and holidays - I found this in my "archives" - the link no longer works - it was from a expat's site. I think you'll find it well worth the time to read.....

Kazakhstan's official public holidays always mean... more

Word for word translation of the National Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

We are a valiant people, sons of honor, We've sacrificed everything to gain our freedom. Emerging from malicious grip of fate, from hell of fire, We scored a victory of glory and success.

Refrain: Soar high up in the sky, oh, the eagle of freedom, Call up to harmony, agreement and accord! Since the hero's might and strength is in the nation, Just as the unity is nation's razing sword.

While honoring... more

Over the years – I have collected various links and stored them in my “favorites” – along with some addresses and phone numbers. Some of them are Kazakhstan specific, while others are dealing with adoption and last but not list – helpful links to help in the process. I’ll share some of them with you below:

A must book mark for any families adopting from Kazakhstan, Susan is an adoptive parent who has created an award winning site. http://kazakhadoptivefamilies.com/

Excellent resource from with every step in the process of adopting. http://www.adoption.com/

Look who... more