Russia is kind of the worst-case scenario for a lot of adoption stories- high rates of FASD, attachment issues, bad orphanages, etc. I can't really say whether ours is "success" story or not. But there are definitely some real wins that we experience. My oldest adopted son (I have a 20- and 12- year old biologically, all the others fit in between those two) was 8 when we got him and he is doing so well. There have been some intense struggles with anger, violence, development of empathy and more. But he has also become an honor roll/NHS student and leaves on his mission next month (Spokane). He is responsible and smart and sometimes even funny. Definitely a success story.

On the other hand, the other 3 of our 4 have had FASD/fetal drug abuse. The girl that I adopted at 3 years old has the most significant issues. It is a constant struggle and she disappoints us again and again: lies, stealing and every offensive thing imaginable. I have so many incredible stories about her that just make me shake my head as to why a person could be so obnoxious/have such poor judgement. However, she is not violent, for which I am very grateful.

So, I have both ends of this spectrum. Some days are better, some worse, and sometimes I feel sorry for myself that I will have some lifelong burdens to deal with. When people ask me about adoption, I can never give them a simple answer. However, that being said, I really more people would do it. Here are some of the things I have learned/am still working to learn:

* These are my kids. No question. Heavenly Father created this hodge-podge family with intent.
* Biological kids have issues too. We ALL do. Parenting is never "safe" or "easy." My 2 bio kids are both on the spectrum, though high-functioning. Just as we have eternity to progress as individuals, we have eternity to progress as a family.
* Heavenly Father sent my kids to earth with huge challenges. I think it broke his heart to send them into unloving and unsafe environments. I love my kids for being so brave. I would have been willing, and tried for so many years, to have kids biologically. But I see real purpose in their challenges. Maybe they were willing to come this way for me and my husband, to let US experience these challenges. Maybe I am not the one making the sacrifice to be their parent...what if THEY made the sacrifice to be my children? I have had so much to learn, that I tend to believe this.
* Even when my daughter is having a terrible day, and it makes me miserable, I can have some empathy...if 100% of our interactions are terrible (angry, dishonest, verbally abusive)...that is probably because she feels that way 100% of the time. I can send her to school, go for a run, eat lunch w friends, whatever, but SHE can never escape her messed up body and emotions. I do not understand what it must feel like for her to be scared/frustrated, even angry...100% of the time.
* I can't do it all...I can't "fix" these kids. It takes tremendous effort just to try to "fix" 4 damaged people. I can't imagine what Jesus had to go through to "fix" all of humanity. I have had some amazing spiritual epiphanies regarding the Atonement and how incredibly powerful it must be. And sometimes I have felt the incredible relief when I have felt the burden lifted from me, and have felt very clearly that it is not my burden for now, but Christ's.

Anyway, sorry to get deep with that. I am not sure that that is where you wanted to go. The tl;dr version is: there is not one answer for everyone. It can be risky. You will learn so much.

With all that being said: I really hope you do choose adoption!