Hey folks! I am starting a new category on this blog: regional profiles. When we were in the process of adopting Little J I always wished that there was a place I could find out more about the different regions (from the adoptive parents' point of view, I mean).

Most regions have different yahoo groups devoted to them (just log in to yahoogroups.com and do a search on your region) but some of these groups are more active than others. Our region, Voronezh, has a yahoogroup but it's pretty inactive. Not sure why, but it's probably because once people have their kids they get really busy and don't have time to play around on the Internet anymore...unless it's their job (like me)!

Now, I've only been to Voronezh, like I said, and of course Moscow (although we didn't adopt from that region...only did the usual paperwork type things there) and so I don't have first-hand knowledge of any other region but my own. In addition, I know in the Voronezh region there are 3 orphanages people adopt from and we only have experience with the baby orphanage about 10 miles outside of town. We also went to Voronezh in 2003, almost 3 years ago. Things change. So I'll be relying on my readers to help me in this category. I can find websites, do research, and ask questions about the various regions but I don't have first-hand knowledge. That's where you come in.

The kinds of things I'd like to include in the regional profiles range from your impressions of the city and or region, the orphanages, and court to what is was like where you stayed, information about places to eat and shop, and what is was like to travel there. Any history or tourist information would also be helpful. Pictures of you or your kids in the region would also be great.

If you want to contribute to this category - either by adding to the information I've already posted or by starting a new regional category, please e-mail me at adoptrussiablog@adoptionmail.com. I really think this will be a helpful category for people who are in the process.