Change

We have decided to go with a private foster care agency. So, of course, we have to go through everything again! Training, paperwork, DHEC and fire safety inspection all over again. Not a lot of fun but we know what to expect so it's not as stressful. We will see......

Understanding

Hubby and I are looking to adopt an older child. When we started this process we were thinking preschool age. Explaining that to people was not always easy. The woman doing our home study even asked my mother how she felt about us not adopting a baby. Uhhh....really?? That made me feel like a teenager. She had to ask my mother! Anyways, I know why she did and all but still.
Okay, well back to my point. We are now feeling lead to adopt a child older than that. Younger than 10. That is not something people easily understand. We get some questions, some concerns, but mostly just the feeling that no one understands that we feel we are doing what God wants us to do. And that is what I need to remember. That we are doing what God wants us to do.

And when people mention the "baggage" and "issues" that older children come with I always say either "no child is perfect" or "most kids have some kind of issue". Then I think in my head about their children. Maybe they are too. (that sounds mean!!! I don't mean it meanly)

It is nice to read blogs of people that have adopted older children. Its nice to know someone understands.

Mother in law has come and gone. I did get the house clean and we had a nice visit. I found out more about the child's current behaviors, which sound doable. The worker said she is seeing how the child does in the current foster home and will have a meeting at the end of the summer to find a family for him. She said we won't hear anything until then.
Hmmm....more waiting. But, thats okay. I like having a time frame. I would like to get the bedroom ready but I can only do little things until we know for sure.
Has anyone had this type of situation before?

Waiting......

We found out some additional information about a child we had inquired about. It was very sad. Sad that things like this happen to children. I had a rough time reading the information and it is still weighing heavily on my heart. I am trying to look at it realistically to figure out what we are able to handle. I hate saying that but, I want us to be a good match for the child and be able to give a child the best life we can. So, I asked for additional information but apparently that takes a while....No one ever seems to be in a rush. I am sure they have tons of other work to do. I know they do. I am trying to be patient. I feel like I have been patient through this entire process. I do much better when I get time frames. We will send you a letter in 2 weeks, etc.
So, we are waiting....

Oh, and mother in law is coming to visit in less than 2 days so I am busy cleaning.

Our start

This is my first time blogging. Still trying to figure it all out. Well, where to start....the beginning of this adventure, I guess! Hubby and I found out that we were unable to have biological children together. So I started researching adoption and fertility options. Since there weren't a lot of fertility options available for us we decided to adopt instead of fertility. We felt we would rather not bring a child into the world through science if there were already children that need a family. Not saying this is right for everyone but it is right for us. After looking into adoption options we decided that we didn't need a baby and we didn't want to adopt out of the US so foster care was the fit for us. Not saying this is the right way or only way. This is what is right for us. And yes, friends, family, and others....had lots of questions and concerns. I don't know why when you are not adopting a baby it makes people uncomfortable. Not everyone, just some.
We contacted our state DSS (Department of Social Services) filled out some paperwork and we were set up for an orientation. The orientation was mostly telling us what we needed to do. Fingerprinting, physical, TB test and what the fire marshall and DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control)would be looking for. We went to training for 2 days. The fire Marshall came to our house. We had to have a fire escape plan, fire extinguisher, and the window in the room where the child would be sleeping had to be a certain size and smoke detecters. DHEC came and checked water temp, fridge temp and overall safety in and outside of the house. What I didn't expect is that she wanted to meet all of our animals. She tried to make our dog sit. He didn't listen. But he was a perfect angel which he usually isn't when we have visitors. Then came the visits with the social worker. It went well. I really liked her. She was really impressed that Hubby took and picked up my daughter Abbie to and from school. I love my husband but, driving a kid to school? Is that impressive?? Doesn't matter. He had her wrapped around his little finger. So now we are done. And waiting. Again.