Finally...a Step Completed!

Jeff & I went to the adoption orientation class yesterday evening!!!

As I was getting ready, I felt as if I was preparing for a job interview. I even called a good friend and asked her how to dress. It's a strange feeling of being interviewed for the most important position I would ever hope to fulfill. As I was applying fresh makeup, I couldn't help but wonder if I "looked" like I'd be a good Mommy. (And now as I type that I giggle at myself.)

We went into a large meeting room where we were given a packet of papers. We read over them, filled them out, signed our hearts away. Then the case manager went over some policies and procedures. The meeting was finished an hour earlier than expected.

One interesting fact we learned is that a child with "special needs" is "any child that has been in care for more than 24 consecutive months, a member of a sibling group of two or more placed in the same home or a child with a validated physical, mental or emotional disability." From what it sounds like, Lutheran Services of Georgia concentrates mostly on special needs children, but does also work with non-special needs children. I thought it was interesting that "special needs" does not necessarily mean what you might think. There is more financial assistance if you do adopt a "special needs" child- such as monthly support until the child's 18th birthday. For a non-special needs child, there is a $6,000 fee due at the time of placement. This may sound like a lot of money but compared to another private Christian agency, it's really not that bad. There is also a tax credit available to help cover adoption expenses.

The next step is the IMPACT training we'll take the last week of July. After that we will be run through a series of background checks, health screenings and CPR/First Aid training, and the home-study process which can take 6-9 months. I am so excited to think that I could be a Mommy next year!

I could say that it's not fair that families who choose to adopt have to go through pre-screening that families who are able to have their own families do not have to endure. Instead I will say I am glad these procedures are in place. Someone needs to protect these children. It's bad enough they don't have their Mom & Dad to protect them, the last thing they need is to be placed in an unhealthy living situation.

I am praying God's will for our family! Will you join me in that prayer? Will you prayerfully consider expanding your family thru adoption?