Thailand OR Ethiopia???

That is the question!  And we do not have the answer, yet!!  We met with Holt (Celeste) today and the meeting went great.  She was able to answer our questions and calm some of our fears regarding what had appeared like unforeseen expenses.  So we can officially check the agency agreement off the list!!  DONE! 

When we were with her we told her that we were having a hard time deciding between Thailand and Ethiopia.  She explained some of the current situations with both countries. 

Thailand
The Thailand program is a smaller program.  Celeste told us that at any given time they only have 2-3 families pursuing adoption from Thailand.  The children waiting for adoption are in the foster care system and are well cared for.  The waiting time is approximately 2-2.5 years.  Children at the time of placement are 14 months to 2 years.  Matt and I would have to travel to Thailand once for about a 2 week trip.  We would be matched with a child about 10 months prior to being able to take them home.   
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1237845.stm

Ethiopia
Holt does a lot more adoptions through Ethiopia.  We understood that most of the children are in care centers while waiting for adoptive parents.  Children may be 6 months to 2 years at the time of placement.  We would make two trips to Ethiopia for about a week each trip.  On the first trip we would meet our child and go to court to verify the adoption.  The second trip would be when we would get to take our child home.  We would also get the opportunity to meet the birth family and get to know them.  The waiting time is approximately 1-1.5 years. 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1072164.stm

Matt and I are not heart broken at all at the thought of having to travel to either of these countries!!  But how do we decide which country to choose????  We don't know how to make this decision.  It's interesting because when we started thinking about international adoption, I was completely thinking Ethiopia.  But over the last month, I have started leaning a little more towards Thailand.  Matt's top choice has always been Thailand.  Honestly, I don't think we can make a bad choice...but I am still stressing.  The only thing that I know is exactly what I plan to do~~pray, pray, pray and I know that God with guide us.  I am really stuck on the year difference between the two programs right now and I don't want to make a decision based on that...but I don't want to wait any longer than I have to either!!!  We are totally open to thoughts, advice on which way to go.  Please let us know if you have words of wisdom to share with us. 

We'll keep you all posted.  In the mean time, please say a prayer along with us. 

~megan