Our Very Own Adoption Blog!

Here's a look into my thoughts back in the spring, when this was new and fresh and I thought I might write about it every day!

These things often feature a timeline, so I’ll start with that.

May 10… my desire to adopt is re-awakened; Eric realizes he also wants to adopt

May 11… I mention it to Eric, he indicates he’s on board

May 12… emails for information, hinting to Piper, decision made

May 13… Mother’s Day… I’m in a panic (“what have I decided?”)… Eric is happy and excited; we begin telling people (our parents=surprised then excited, our daughter=thrilled, our friends=overjoyed)

May 14… I find peace and reassurance… all panic is gone… all is good. “All things work together for good for those who love God.”

Here's the family, hanging out at a birthday party on May 12, having NO IDEA what thoughts are swirling in my head.

As far as I can tell, there are three main steps to be accomplished before we will be considered by Russia. First, we need a home study. Next, we need approval from the US government, basically to bring an immigrant child to this country. Third, we need a dossier, official documents and forms and agreements and things, notarized and apostilled (which basically means notarized at a higher level, the authentication of the notarizations).  Then, we can submit our desire to Russia, receive a referral, and be invited to meet the child. 

Whew!

Each of the major steps is, of course, composed of many smaller steps.  I wanted to feel we were constantly moving forward, so I set a goal to do something for the adoption every-single-day.  This hasn't entirely worked out, but it has kept me focused and somewhat more disciplined than I usually am.

So where do we stand?  Our home study packet was completed and delivered to the social worker last week.  We have our first office visit tomorrow. I’m not nervous in the least… we've been through this before (eleven years ago) and I have such a pervading sense of peace and excitement about this process.  Sure, there were some anxious days at the beginning, when we couldn't find a social worker, and when I was confused by the paperwork and the adoption agency, but overall now, I feel peace.  I know God is going to take us where He wants us to go. And, right now, at least, I feel secure that I will be able to handle wherever that is.