One Family’s Journey to Uganda

I am going to step away from the look into the various countries within Africa and their adoption programs to tell you about a neat family that lives in my area. They just posted information about their desire to adopt two young children from Uganda. They are not just talking about it, their home study is complete. I happened to run into the mother at the store yesterday. She recognized me and I her. Our husbands grew up together but we really had not officially met. When we bumped into each other we knew that we wanted to talk but weren’t sure if we had the right person or not. It didn’t take us long to figure out that we were right about whom the other person was and we launched into a delightful conversation. I had heard about the adoption from friends and watched the video they had done so I was interested in hearing what she had to say. Honestly, I think that she has fear of the unknown. She has five children at home and they are looking to add twin three-year olds. What courage it would take to walk the journey they have chosen. It is exciting but I can understand her fear as well.

Uganda is not party to the Hague Convention. It is a fairly new country to the adoption realm. There are regulations that must be followed. There have also been fairly recent allegations of misconduct filed against agencies in regard to Uganda. This has caused a step-up of protocol and requirements.

The costs for the adoption are fairly normal to international adoption but this family must be in Uganda for 4-6 weeks. They are planning for their whole family to go and experience this. The trip will be something that will challenge and mold them but I am excited for the strength and understanding that will be gained. This understanding and strength will carry them when they return home with the precious children and begin the intricate weave that is required to fully incorporate any child into a forever family.

As I stated earlier in the post, Uganda is not Hague Convention regulated. The Joint Council recommends that people who are interested in adoption from Uganda seek out families who have adopted from there previously. They also recommend that agencies be checked fully before commitment is made from either party. There are children from this country who need a family. Caution is required but fulfillment of the need for adoption will bring hope and love to a deserving child.

I will keep you updated on their adoption from this country. Hopefully we can follow their journey.

~Angie
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