[naomba mandazi]

Hello-
My husband and I have a serious query for those who will share their beliefs and experiences with us. We are interested in adopting or schooling a child from Tanzania. This raises many questions for us because we are concerned with how he'll grow up here, what he'll face and what we can do to ease the transition for him...if we should adopt him at all. Please share with us your thoughts and experiences. We live in a predominately white area(and are ourselves of Irish/German/European descent), a few Native Americans and African Americans, a few Native Indians etc. It's a college town so more diverse than others. The child is Catholic and we are, too, so that helps. Please- were you adopted, know anyone who was adopted from Tanzania? Share with us your views. THANK YOU!!! ASANTE SANA! BTW- we are also trying to learn swahili, too.

[jacnal]

IMHO if the child's life is really poor in Tanzania, and the family can't cope with raising the child, I'd say go for it, give him/her an opportunity, and keep them in touch with their family in Tanzania. I don't know what you mean by schooling the child - bringing him to the US for education? That can only be good, IMO.

I know there was a big outcry when Madonna and Guy adopted David from Malawi, but I really didn't see a problem. Maybe it was easier for them because they've no money constraints, but I think Madonna is a good parent, and David jas been back to visit his family, and to me that is good because as he grows up, he knows dad's in Malawi, he's poor, and him letting go has given Dave a shot at a better life. It's a wonderful opportunity fo the little lad.

I'm black Kenyan, my husband is white British, and we've an interest in adopting from one of the Kenyan orhanages. I suspect there will be alot of serious issues to consider, and we'll do it when the time is absolutely right.

Out of interest - how old is this child? Sounds like you've found the child you want to adopt. What is his family like and what's their take on this matter?

Oh, BTW, I've seen black kids brought up in white households and they've turned out to be great individuals. And vise versa! Just keep them in touch with their culture and they'll turn out to be just fine! It isn't easy, but it's doable.

Good luck. An update for the nosey ones (like me) would be cool!

[SavanahMama]

Originally Posted by naomba mandazi

Hello-
My husband and I have a serious query for those who will share their beliefs and experiences with us. We are interested in adopting or schooling a child from Tanzania. This raises many questions for us because we are concerned with how he'll grow up here, what he'll face and what we can do to ease the transition for him...if we should adopt him at all. Please share with us your thoughts and experiences. We live in a predominately white area(and are ourselves of Irish/German/European descent), a few Native Americans and African Americans, a few Native Indians etc. It's a college town so more diverse than others. The child is Catholic and we are, too, so that helps. Please- were you adopted, know anyone who was adopted from Tanzania? Share with us your views. THANK YOU!!! ASANTE SANA! BTW- we are also trying to learn swahili, too.

How old is the child? That will determine how easy the transition will be. I am sure Angelina Jolie's kids from all over the world are doing just fine because they were adopted while young.

[naomba mandazi]

Thank you to those of you who have replied. My spririts are renewed with your responses. I've since learned that I need to obtain a residents permit from Tanzania (be a resident of Tanzania) in order to adopt. I don't know how to do that. I don't know what I'll need to do. I think I'll call the Tanzanian Embassy to inquire. My heart has almost given up since this seems such a huge hurdle to jump. However, I think about this child daily and can't imagine that it isn't the right thing to do...so will slowly keep chugging along.

He's an orphan at a Benedictine Monastery. What they usually do is raise the children until they are 5-7 years old and then they go back to their village and live with any living relative. We were told while there that many of them have been dying upon returning to the villages. I don't know his age- I think anywhere from 3-4. He didn't speak much and his sentences seemed fragmented. I hate that I have a clean, healthy home he could live in right now (well, many of them really) and have to go through so much red tape. I don't want to disenfranchise from his culture, I just want him to have a better chance. I'm not sure if he does have relatives who will be able to take him back. I've written one letter to inquire and will send another. I've stated my wishes in the past letter, but maybe not as clearly as I could. I feel bad for singling one child out of them all....when so many touched my heart. But he clearly did the most. There is also an infant that I'd give our home to, too.....

Well, thank you again for your feedback. I appreciate all.

Peace and Love-

[HUH?]

most residency requirements require that you live in said location for a certain duration. it's different with every country, but it is generally a 2 year minimum in most countries I know. the Tanzanian consulate should clear it up for you. wishing you all the best.