They have opened their hearts and minds to let this real child enter their lives at a time and in a place they could never have imagined when they first thought of having children. In most Asian and Latin American countries, you will usually be presented with your child the first or second day after your arrival. In most Eastern European countries, on the other hand, you won t meet your child until the final adoption decree is issued. You must also be prepared to feed the child according to the directions given you. You may see your child for the first time at the adoption agency abroad, a foster home, or a hotel.
Placements are joyous occasions.
After so much longing, work, and struggle, the placement is climactic. But we express emotions differently. We look at the child with awe. Your joy is superimposed upon the birth parents' grief. I remember shedding a few tears.