Finally, a Decision

After much consideration, we have finally signed on with an international adoption agency. They are Catholic Social Services (CSS) out of Asheville, North Carolina. They aren't the largest or most recognizable name in the international adoption world. They don't have the fanciest website either. They don't have colorful brochures or colorful sales pitches but what they lack in those areas, they make up for in others. They have a core group of dedicated families who are completely happy with their experiences with them. Their office out of Ashville is the only Catholic Charities or Catholic Social Services agency in the U.S. that facilitates Russian adoptions. All the other offices go through them. They have a relatively small but very personable staff.

Our timing really couldn't have been better. Just days after our decision on June 27th to sign on with CSS, the Russian Government announced accreditation of seven American agencies and CSS was amongst them! You can see the announcements at the US Embassy in Moscow and The Moscow Times . The six other agencies included Children's Home Society & Family Services, another agency we strongly considered. The eighth agency was from Italy. The announcement preceded a ceremony held in Moscow on July 4th of all days.

So now our wait to choose an agency ends and our wait to realize our dreams of having a family begins again.

Ready, set, now the real paper chase begins!