Examine honestly your reasons for wanting
to be in the religion

Consider the logistical and practical issues that might get in your way

Understand that long-distance and internet relationships are very limited

Finding the right connection takes time
and requires critical thought

There are a lot of frauds out there, people who claim to be priests who actually aren't, people who will offer you Orishas when they have no authority to give them, people who will take your money to do long-distance ebó for you when they have no intention of ever doing anything except collecting money from you. There are priests who go fishing on the internet to catch godchildren, and they will make promises they don't keep. So, how can you know if someone is honest? How can you protect yourself from fraud? My answer starts with: Use common sense. The vast majority of honest priests are NOT going to be on the internet fishing for godchildren. Why? Because we already have godchildren, we have busy lives, we aren't using the religion to make money. We have jobs, we have families, we have other commitments. If someone is PM'ing you and everyone else in a religious forum with 10,000 members offering services, you have to ask: WHY? Most of us believe it's not ethical to reach out to total strangers and offer unsolicited services. We like to choose the people we work with. We like to take time to get to know the people and establish a relationship with them. We're selective. Most of us want to help people who need help, and we're open to establishing relationships with new people, but we don't solicit customers on the internet. Second, my advice is to follow your gut instinct. If someone is too eager to help you, too free with promises, or offering you things that seem too good to be true, chances are there's something wrong. Your gut warns you about these things. When you have a nagging suspicion that things aren't right, listen. Sometimes this is how your ori, egun, spirit guides and even the Orishas let you know that you're on the wrong path. Third, I suggest you ask around. What's the reputation of this person offering you such services? Do other godchildren speak well of him? Do other olorishas in the community respect him? No one works in a vacuum - if they do, that's another serious warning sign!! If you have any reason to suspect someone isn't on the up and up, ask around. Finally, TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE PATIENT. There's no way around that bit of advice. No one wants to hear a plea for patience when they're in a hurry, but rushing is the surest way to make a mistake. Go step by step, keep your eyes open, be honest with yourself about what you want and why, and look for someone who is a good fit for you, so the relationship has a chance to grow and flourish. It will come when the time is right.