Friday, August 21, 2009

Adoption Update!

Sorry I've not posted in a week, but I've been busy. Niko and my nieces visited last week, then I worked on a project for work this week.

We had our adoption orientation meeting August 12. It was very informative. Right off the bat, the agency informed us, that the chances of adopting a caucasian child were pretty slim. There were about 12 people in the conference room. The 2 social workers doing the meeting, told us that, if that was what any of us was wanting, it would be best to leave. We were already well aware of the racial dynamics of children (waiting children) who are in foster care. (I always believe in doing research) that way I'm in the know, ya know! LOl. Anyway, then they told us that to adopt a Hispanic child, one person in the household must speak Spanish. (that is if the child speaks Spanish) My hubby is 1/2 Spanish, but he doesn't speak any of the language. His Dad didn't speak it in their home.
But get this, if the child is Asian, or anyother nationality, English is fine. Huh?

Then they told us, the most likely children were going to be African American. If that wasn't acceptable please leave. They were very up front about that. They didn't want to waste any one's time. But Hubby and I have been praying about this very issue and we believe that we are capable to loving and nurturing any child God chooses to give us. We both have so much love to give. We don't care about the race of the child, and we can probably handle certain children with behavioral problems.

The social workers kept mentioning ADHD and other behavior problems. Well, we already deal with that. Niko has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum.

Now we are working on our application. It's slightly overwhelming. We each have 2 essay questions to answer. The first, is to explain our experience with children. The only way I can figure out how to answer this question, is to just write about each of my step-children, and the nuances of our relationship. Each child's quirks and what makes them special, how we deal with each child and the challenges they might present to us as parents. Hubby and I discussed it and that seems to be the best way to answer that question.

The next is why we want to adopt. This is the most difficult question. So please pray as I try to put all those reason's down on paper.

I do believe that every child, no matter what their race, deserves to have someone who loves them unconditionally. God has been really working on my heart regarding this matter.

I hope everyone had a great week and have a great weekend.

8 comments:

Lois Christensen said...

My sister and her husband adopted two children and everything worked out fine. It's a long road you're going down, but the end result will be so worth the journey. Hoping and praying the right doors open for you and that you are blessed with the child God wants you to have! What a courageous thing you are doing!!!

Gracie Beth said...

I love that you are so open! I almost had an aneurysm watching a show on adoptions on children from Russia because the people blatantly said they went all the way to Russia because they wanted a white child and I wanted to cry because I though that these were not the type of people that should be allowed to raise a child.

Jeanette said...

What an awesome, blessed child this new addition to your home will be! Best of luck to you!

Denise said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers sweetie. I love you.

Beth in NC said...

God bless you girl. I pray He brings the child that He has planned for your family and that you have wisdom as you write your essays.

Oh, the joys of adoption. :o)

Love,
b

Jane In The Jungle said...

Thanks for the update and YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Lauren said...

I admire you so much!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

I hope all is going well with your application. I know from experience how daunting it can be...

Good luck!