The Choice of China

Marianne (who made this lovely dress, BTW) saw my 19 months since LID post and asked me, Why China? Well, I wish I could say that I had a magical connection, but really it was logically my best choice. So I'll preface with the sorry if this rambles a bit and please understand, these were my feelings/facts at the time, so I'd appreciate no flames! Thanks.
Back in 2002, Michele, a woman that I worked with (Michele-hi!) told me that she was in the process of adopting from China. From her story, I know she truly felt drawn to China. Anyway, this was really the first I knew of the possibility of adopting from there and when I went home, I mentioned it to my mom. She actually said something to the effect of, "Well in a few years it might be something to consider." A few years later, it was time to consider! Life hadn't progressed very far in the starting a family arena and when Michele sent an email with updates on her second little girl, this whole journey was finally set in motion. I wanted to be a mom and as unromantic as it may sound, I went with what was most logical/right personally. For me, being pregnant as a single woman was not my most ideal route. That desire to be pregnant hasn't really hit me! I was concerned about the unpredictibility of our adoptive legal system (I know, many turn out fine, but I've seen several that have not.) As a single I also had concerns about open adoption, which (for good and bad) is the current domestic adoption trend. Guatamala was unstable (IMO) and adoption in Africa & Taiwan weren't as prevalent even back just 2 years ago. I looked into Kazakhstan & Russia, of course, but eventually realized the local Fam*lies with Ch*ldren from China was a great support system, a great group of children with similar backgrounds if that was something Ellie might need. I have two cousins that are half Chinese and that connection was kind of nice, too. It came down to what can I provide for my child to celebrate & support her in the best possible way. When a suprise singles opening came along so quickly, it seemed the most obvious choice as well. If I had waited another year, I'm not sure what path I would be on now that singles are excluded from the program and alternately, the typical family structure hasn't transpired! Anyway, not the most inspiring post, but I must say, when I received that e-mail from Michele in August 2005 and suddenly realized I could be a mom, it was a brilliant moment for me. =)