From what I have learned about adoption, "wait" is a word that comes along very frequently. When I was pregnant with my daughters, I used to joke that this was the universe's way of teaching me about patience - you just have to WAIT. Wait wait wait...
So following the adoption fair on Saturday, we turned in our "screening application". And now we wait to see what the agency has to say about whether we qualify for any of their programs. We are interested in international adoption and domestic children, but in both instances - because we would prefer child(ren) over 3, we are open to some disabilities and even a sibling group - if we qualify, there may be a pool of waiting children since those kids can be harder to place. And because our family situation has a couple issues to overcome (and I hope we will because I truly believe we have so much to offer that it outweighs any of those issues), I also put in a couple other online screening applications with other agencies this weekend - like getting a second opinion.
And now we wait to hear what those agencies think. It is so awful to have to put out the negatives and not really have a chance to express why our strengths outweigh those negatives. And to accept that governmental bureaucracy (particularly a non-US governmental entity) may end our journey in a manner we find arbitrary. But I'm breathing (in AND out) and trying very hard to believe that if there are kids out there that are meant to find their way to us, the path will show itself.
Waiting is SO hard. And I'm sure I speak for many when I say that you can tell, just through your writing, that you have A TON to offer a child. There is one just waiting to be loved by you and your family :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very kind words Judy! And cue the balloons and glitter because this the 500th published comment on my blog! Thank you for that too.
DeleteSarah...I saw you stopped by my blog..thanks for checking in! Good luck on the whole process..feel free to contact me anytime you have a question or want to chat. I'd love to help if I can!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. I'll be following to see what comes along for you.
DeleteBest wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed. I work with way too many kids who deserve a much better start in life than they are getting. Here's to the lucky child(ren) who gets placed with you.
ReplyDeleteMe and waiting do not agree... Good luck my dear!
ReplyDeleteI really admire your willingness and determination to explore these options. My husband and his brother were adopted out of foster care when he was nearly 5 and his brother nearly 4. Neither of them has/had physical disabilities but my brother-in-law had learning/cognitive disabilities and they both suffered psychological issues from the abuse and neglect they had endured in their birth family as well as in a series of foster homes. I have told my husband's mother a thousand times how grateful I am for the amazing job she did with both of them--especially since this adoption occurred in the early '70s and the support system was nothing like what it is now. Not only were there fewer resource agencies and less education and awareness, but the boys' records were sealed so my mother-in-law had no idea exactly how bad their situation had been--or what the possible consequences might be--when she took them in. She was told only that they had suffered abuse and neglect of the "highest order."
ReplyDeleteBless you for being willing to open your heart and home to some of the neediest among us. I hope it all works out for you all.