The reality of adoption search and reunion whether it is an international adoption search or not adoption search is complex and intense. I think most triad members would agree that the experience of search behind them that search is positive and the right of every adoptee. If you choose to search, you should be mature and prepared for the overwhelming emotions that may be difficult to understand and process at times.

Another important thing to realize is that nothing can be controlled. Circumstances and unknown variables will dictate and steer your search in a certain direction. That the end result of a search is reality and the reality is what needs to be accepted as part of the search process. To help deal with this you want to be flexible, realistic, and move forward slowly.

During adoption search you will find joy or satisfaction in some of the small discoveries as well as the big ones. Learning of the orphanage or see the orphanage or hospital, meeting the child care worker or foster family, visiting the tow or province you were born are all milestones in your search that I would think are treasured and not minimized.

To start an international adoption search you want to collect and organize all the personal adoption information available. The following list is not limited and the information may be different from situation to situation.

•Adoptees birth name, date of birth and any other birth information

•Name, location and dates of all orphanages or child care centers

•Names and locations of hospitals and other facilities visited

•Dates of any activities such as moves, visitors, and examinations

•Names of caregivers, orphanage directors, medical state, government officials, and others who may have been personally involved

•Visa and immigration information

•Any and all anecdotal information

Of course this isn't an all inclusive list so again, it may vary from adoptee to adoptee or situation to situation.