The second part of our home study actually didn't take place in our home. Since we pay mileage for the social worker to come to us, they were kind enough to let us come to them. This saved us about $150 dollars. This was okay to do because the interview actually had nothing to do with our home.
The interview started with both of us together, answering some follow-up questions from the first part of our home study. Then, the agent split us up and interviewed us individually for an hour. We weren't quite sure of what to expect, but it went well. I think she was trying to see if we told the same stories and were on the same page with adoption stuff.
When the interviews were over, she told us that she has no hesitancies about us becoming adoptive parents. She strongly encouraged us to get our "profile book" printed, which we did last night. And, she scheduled the third and final part of our home study for this Thursday, March 31.
So, on Thursday we will be finished with all the preliminary work. Next week, we will become a waiting family...waiting for a child to be matched with us. This whole process has moved so quickly and we can see God guiding us through it all. Thank you for your many prayers. God is moving.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Our Profile Book
This is the final version of our "profile book." When the expectant parents come into Bethany, they will be given a hard copy of this book. If they like what they see, they will ask to meet with us.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Home Study (part 1)
Our case worker arrived a little after 10 this morning to begin our home study. Amanda and I were both expecting to be split up, but she kept us together. We answered several questions based on one of the applications we filled out a while ago. The questions had to do with our experiences growing up; how we will raise our own children; and several other personal questions. She was here for about two hours, which passed by quickly. We have two more appointments with her.
Our next appointment will be next Thursday at the agency in Sioux Falls. At this meeting, we will be split up and asked more of the same questions. Then, our case worker will return to our home on March 31st to do a walk through of the house. This will be our final meeting.
Here's some good news: Our profile will be complete and we can be matched beginning the first week of April. They are working with several expectant mothers, so keep praying. It's getting closer...
Our next appointment will be next Thursday at the agency in Sioux Falls. At this meeting, we will be split up and asked more of the same questions. Then, our case worker will return to our home on March 31st to do a walk through of the house. This will be our final meeting.
Here's some good news: Our profile will be complete and we can be matched beginning the first week of April. They are working with several expectant mothers, so keep praying. It's getting closer...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Children Of God
What a great reminder that we are all children of God. We have all been adopted into God's family. Check out www.thirdday.com/adopted for more information about adoption. Mac Powell and his wife adopted their fourth child through Bethany Christian Services.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Adoption Is Greater Than Universe
Some good thoughts by John Piper about spiritual adoption into God's family and why we should consider adoption. It gives you something to think about.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Life and Hope Journey
United States
United Kingdom
Thailand
Canada
Lebanon
China
Germany
Netherlands
Vietnam
South Africa
India
Hungary
South Korea
Denmark
Indonesia
Australia
Iran
Ukraine
Nigeria
Spain
Uruguay
Norway
Singapore
An interesting observation about this list is that many of these countries are overloaded with orphans. This tells us that someone from these countries was probably "googling" about adoption and stumbled upon our blog. We'd still like to see it viewed in South America and Australia. So, pass it on. Thank you.
How Long Does Adoption Take?
One of the questions we are most commonly asked is: How long does adoption take? It's a really good question, so we want you to know the answer.
The agency told us that they are asked this question all the time, but there is no definite answer. Once a couple completes their home study (we will start ours on March 17), they are ready to be matched with an expectant mother. The time between completion of the home study and being matched with an expectant mother is called the "waiting period" because you are literally just waiting to be matched. The waiting period can be very short. Some families have had a waiting period of zero days because they were matched the first day their profile book was made available to a mother. However, the waiting period can also be very long. They have also had some families wait as long as three years to be matched.
Another way to think of this time is kind of like a pregnancy. After conception, you have a "waiting period" of nine months before the baby arrives. The only difference with adoption is that we don't know how long our waiting period will be. So, this is our prayer: Please pray that the waiting period is short, that once our profile is complete we could be matched quickly. When we are matched, the baby will most likely arrive within two months.
We finished our profile book, but have some edits to make in it. We'll have it up here soon.
The agency told us that they are asked this question all the time, but there is no definite answer. Once a couple completes their home study (we will start ours on March 17), they are ready to be matched with an expectant mother. The time between completion of the home study and being matched with an expectant mother is called the "waiting period" because you are literally just waiting to be matched. The waiting period can be very short. Some families have had a waiting period of zero days because they were matched the first day their profile book was made available to a mother. However, the waiting period can also be very long. They have also had some families wait as long as three years to be matched.
Another way to think of this time is kind of like a pregnancy. After conception, you have a "waiting period" of nine months before the baby arrives. The only difference with adoption is that we don't know how long our waiting period will be. So, this is our prayer: Please pray that the waiting period is short, that once our profile is complete we could be matched quickly. When we are matched, the baby will most likely arrive within two months.
We finished our profile book, but have some edits to make in it. We'll have it up here soon.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Home Study Scheduled
Yay! Our home study has been scheduled for March 17. This will be the first of two visits to our home. Amanda and I will meet individually with the social worker to answer questions based on our profile surveys. The first meet will last 2-3 hours and a second meeting will take place a week or more later. Once our home study is complete, we will be considered a "waiting family." We will be waiting to be matched with an expectant mother and the child she is carrying. Things are moving smoothly and, as you can expect, we are EXCITED!
In the next few days we will post our "Profile Book" to the blog. This is the book the expectant mother previews when she comes into Bethany. She will/will not choose us based on this book. Watch for it.
In the next few days we will post our "Profile Book" to the blog. This is the book the expectant mother previews when she comes into Bethany. She will/will not choose us based on this book. Watch for it.
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