This past Thursday, we headed to the adoption agency to complete our adoption training. We did not know what to expect from that, but had a feeling that they would talk about how to talk to your families about adoption, how to handle adoption talk in your family, birth mothers/families and overall expectations of the process. In all reality, we felt like this could have all been covered in an hour. We already knew so much of the process and what to expect. What we did not expect to hear was how quickly we might need to have the money for when we take home a child. We were told that the wait for a child could be 18-24 months, but then told this past week that they have had a lot more “drop in’s”. This basically means a mother wants to give her child to a family to adopt, but doesn’t make an adoption plan before the child is born. We would need to be ready to accept a child into our home within hours if that were to happen. What has been interesting throughout this whole process is just how Tommy and I have responded to different moments. Sometimes Tommy is more worried and reserved while Ashley is excited and giddy, but it also goes the other way for both of us.
At the end of the training we were told that we should hear back sometime this next week, but then it turned into definitely should hear back no later than two. When we started this all, we were told that we would likely be done with our home study in time for the holidays, but now are being told that they won’t even come and visit our house until January. While we appreciate more time to figure out the financial piece of this all, we are eager to have a child in our home. We’ve painted, put up wallpaper, rearranged the whole house in preparation, had our crib, recliner and lamp purchased for us. We still need a lot of the basics, but we also would like to have a Baby Shower. However, when does one even have a baby shower in situations like these?
All of this to say, we are sad that it is taking longer than expected, but are excited to hear that a child could be in our home sooner than expected. We continue to pray, work, and prepare ourselves for a child. This time has been the most trying for us emotionally. We know the reward will be well worth it, but could really use some more Christmas spirit as we head towards another Christmas without a child. So please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue to navigate this journey we did not expect to be on. Our love and prayers to you all.