Another child to love
By Joyce Bergmann

President Bush has proclaimed November as National Adoption Awareness Month. The first ever U.S. census figures on adoption were relased on Aug. 22. The statistics show that 13 percent of adopted children in the United States are foreign-born. The number of immigrant adoption visas jumped from 7,000 in 1990 to 18,000 in the year 2000.

Could any family love an adopted child, particularly one from a foreign country, as much as they would a biological child. For thousands of American families, the answer is an emphatic "Yes!"

Tim and Teresa Morgan and their two children, Joshua, 11, and Hannah, 7, are just one of those families. Earlier this year, the Morgans adopted a young boy from Russia and brought him back to live with them in their rural Audubon home.

"It doesn't seem like it's only been three months. He's adapted very well into the family, or we've adapted to him," said Teresa, smiling.

Everyone in the family is quite taken with the brown-eyed, dark-haired toddler and the feeling appears mutual. Noah Lev (Lev was his given name in Russia) loves trailing after his older siblings. A few months shy of two years old, he doesn't speak much, but does seem to understand what's said to him.

"He learned to walk about three days after he got home, from wanting to chase the cat and dog," laughed Teresa.

Like any child his age, Noah's likes and dislikes are constantly changing. Teresa recalls at first he would eat just about anything, then only pudding. Now his favorites are chicken nuggets and peas.

Noah was adopted from a baby hospital, a type of orphanage for sick children, so the Morgans were aware before the adoption that he had health problems. Soon after coming to the U.S., he was hospitalized twice and diagnosed with asthma, but since that time, seems to be flouri


The road to adoption
Adopting a child was not a hastily made decision. "I think it's something Tim and I both individually wanted to do," said Teresa, with Tim nodding in agreement. "We looked to do it for a couple of years and finally decided that's what we should do."

There is a very long wait for couples wanting to adopt a young child in the U.S., so the Morgans decided to investigate international adoption. After researching various agencies via the internet, they settled on Children's Hope International. "CHI sounded very good, like a good Christian agency, and very reputable. One hundred percent for children," said Teresa.

Originally, the couple planned to adopt a child from Guatemala. They completed the necessary paperwork, but were then informed that adoptions in Guatemala had to be stopped for several months. While they waited for adoptions to resume, the Morgans were asked if they would consider adopting a Russian boy. Russia has many children waiting for adoption in orphanages and baby hospitals, usually more boys than girls.

Every country has different rules and regulations concerning adoptions, so the paperwork had to be filled out all over again. Tim and Teresa turned in their completed application in February and within a month were contacted about adopting Noah.

Adoptive parents must make two visits to Russia before the adoption is finalized. The first trip, when you are introduced to your child, lasts approximately one week. Prospective parents must meet with the child at least three times, with each visit lasting a minimum of one hour. The Morgans made their initial trip to Russia in June. They then returned home to wait for a court date to be set.

In August, they traveled to Russia once again. The second trip normally lasts two to three weeks and includes going to court in front of a judge to complete the adoption. Once the threesome returned to U.S. soil, Noah was officially an American citizen.

According to the Morgans, CHI handled everything, from the travel arrangements, to providing translators and drivers. "We feel real fortunate; just pleased with the whole situation," said Teresa. "We don't have anything to complain about at all. We would definitely recommend going to CHI. They're with you every step of the process and always there to answer questions."

The trip to Russia included a "crash course" in Russian culture, including tours around Moscow and visits to the Kremlin and Lenin's Tomb. "They want you to know the history and get a feel for the people," explained Teresa. Even though Noah will be raised as an American, the Morgans will make sure he also learns about his Russian heritage.

Unfortunately, the young child may never know much about his birth parents. Background information is sparse, although it's believed Noah has a sister living somewhere in the U.S. A poor country, parents in Russia oftentimes give up their children because they cannot afford to care for them. Once they sign their consent for adoption, relatives are contacted. If they choose not to take the child in, he/she is put up for adoption by eligible Russian citizens. Most Russians do not adopt, however, and the majority of the children are sent to hospitals or orphanages to await international adoption.

"There are so many children who need homes," said Teresa ruefully. She recalled a visit they made with another couple to a different facility. The children were outside and began to chatter excitedly when they saw them approach. When asked what they were saying, the translator explained the children wanted to know if the Americans were their mommies and daddies coming to take them home.

Financing your adoption

International adoption is expensive. The actual amount depends on the different countries, The estimated cost of adoption in Russia, with travel, is $19,360 to $26,360. A large portion of the cost, however, can often be recouped through federal and state tax credits. In addition, there are many corporations that have adoption assistance programs.

The Morgans say they would be happy to visit with anyone considering an international adoption (712-563-4485) or for more information, interested persons can contact Cory Barron by phone at 314-890-0086, email cory@childrenshopeint.org or log onto www.childrenshopeint.org .