Resources for Searching (cont.)
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Internet Sites
There are other ways yo post your intentions to connect with birth family. The Internet has become a wonderful method of searching. There are some site that offer a "search book". Here, you can place an "ad" about your interest in trying to locate birth family.

GOAL - Global Overseas Adoptees' Link (Korea)

For Korean adoptees, there is an organization in Korea that has served as a home base for overseas adoptees to come and seek support and aid in searching for birth family. Their connections and long standing relationship with many Korean nationals can expedite your search. For other international adoptees, see if there are comparable organizations in your birth countries. Ask your birth country agency if they work with other organizations of if other adoptees have returned to search.

Going to Your Birth Country
Often times, unless you are physically in your birth country, you will not be able to fully appreciate the challenging work people must do in order for you to connect with your birth family. Being there will also provide you with insight as to your beginnings that photographs and letter will hardly be able to express. You may also have opportunity to meet others who participated in your adoption process or landmarks of your days in your birth country, i.e. orphanage, foster home, police box, town hall. Don't forget to bring support with you or find a way to connect with your support as you need it. It is always helpful to have people with you who will keep you grounded and confident in the decisions you are making. In addition unless you speak the language you will need an able translator to help you obtain information.

Media
The decision to use media within your birth country has had some success in uniting families, but when yo use it and for how long is a very personal decision. Keep in mind, though, you loose a lot of your personal privacy as well as your birth family's privacy once your story is out. Usually, the first place to go is the newspaper and then the television. If this is your medium of choice in getting the word out, then be prepared for a myriad of intrusive questions. In addition be aware that your media appearance effects the perceptions of adoption within your birth country and in particular in Asian countries birth family's might be too ashamed to come forward for fear of "loosing face"

Personal Connections
As more and more adult adoptees are searching and reunifying with birth family members, there are networks of adult adoptees being established for those who seek to connect with each other for support and information. Thousands of search sites on the Internet are a testament to the many experiences of search and reunion. Meet others who have searched and met birth family. Ask how they did it; what their experiences were; what and who they recommend as good resources. If you decide to use a third party you will want to make sure they are a reputable organization.

Support Groups
Once your search is completed, regardless of the turnout, it is important to process your emotions. Finding other adoptees who have experienced similar feelings may be a great way to find closure. Once again, the Internet continues to be a wonderful medium as well as the growing number of adult adoptee organizations.