Last Friday, April 12th, we went to Columbia and spent the day at the Bethany office. It was 8:30-4:30 and I mostly enjoyed every minute. Before we got there, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Are we going to learn how to be good parents? Are we going to learn about the adoption process? I had questions about what would actually go on, but once we got there, they had the entire day planned out with an agenda for us to look at. The day was packed full!
Each case worker from each location, with the exception of Myrtle Beach (because she was SLAMMED and super busy), was there along with the head lady from Bethany. We started with a short little devotion time and prayer, and then we moved into a PowerPoint. Some of the topics discussed were the adoption process, openness and birthparents, post adoption issues, financial issues, legal information, etc. At the end of the day, we heard from one birth mother and two adoptive families. Like everyone else, we agreed this was the best part of the day! It truly was amazing to hear from a birth mother-who knew the best thing she could ever do for her child was to give him a life she knew she couldn't. This is the most selfless act and it is to be looked upon in the up most respect. These are not girls who make this decision lightly and simply "give up their child." They love this child so much that they want them to have a life they know they simply cannot provide. It was an eye opening time to say the least!
Then, we were lucky enough to hear from two adoptive families. One family adopted twin girls of a different race (they were so precious), and the other family got a call telling them they needed to be at "such and such" hospital the next day because a mother just gave birth and chose them to be the parents. Talk about one day you're a family of 2 and the next day a family of 3! WOAH! What a whirlwind to hear that story! It's such a blessing, but if you're a planner like me, I would have been a nervous wreck! I joked to Jason that since our story has been nothing short of a whirlwind, I wouldn't be surprised if our adoption was like that! But what a precious baby he is! And the parents are so in love! It brough such hope to my heart and such joy to see and hear from these wonderful families experiencing the joy that adoption brings.
So, the next step is for us to get our home study scheduled and completed. The home study is comprised of us meeting with the case worker at our home and individually at the Bethany office. We have been told to just be ourselves and not worry about everything being just perfect. No one/ no family is perfect and if you try to make it seem like that, red flags would rise. Then after our home study is completed and approved, we will be officially a "waiting family." We are put in the BIG BOOK (as Bethany calls it) for expectant mothers to look at and hopefully choose us to be the mommy and daddy of their child. We also learned that we can make a video that will go on the Bethany site so that families in other states can view our profile (video) and decide whether we are the right family for their child. Anybody good with a video camera and editing and want to take this on? LOL!
We also need to start getting our profile book ready! Hopefully I can find a good coupon code to use since we have to get 4 books printed for each office to have on hand. I am really excited to start working on it, but at the same time, this book determines who chooses us. So, I want to make sure this book describes us to a T! Maybe I can give you guys a little taste when it's complete!
Until then, stay tuned to the weekly updates! We are getting REALLY close to 50% of our goal! You can still help by buying puzzle pieces, krafts, or gift certificates! We appreciate all you guys have done to help us and we can't wait until the day comes when we get that last dollar to complete our goal! Oh, what a happy day that will be!
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