The Timeline

First, a HUGE thank you for all of the support and encouragement I've received so far!  I don't have words to describe how much I appreciate each and every sweet comment, congratulatory hug and all of the shared excitement!

I've had several questions about where I'm at in this process so I thought this would be a great time to try to answer those questions for everyone :)

I have had 2 meetings at the adoption agency, the first was an info session and the second was an office interview.  I've filled out a little bit of paperwork and have more that I'm working on.  And, I've been fingerprinted for my background check (yes, I'm sure it will come back clean :)).  I will be attending a home study class in December and will have my home study before Christmas.  The home study report takes around 6 weeks to be completed.  This means I'll be able to "activate" with the agency in February (activating means that I can be selected by a birth mom) and I will most likely bring my baby home in 2012.  Obviously, there are a lot of details involved in this process that I've not included here.

Yes, there are financial risks in adoption but my agency works hard to minimize this through their work with the birth moms.  Yes, there are legal risks but it's part of the process.  No, I can't specify a preference on the gender of my baby...I truly believe that God will send me exactly who I'm meant to receive.

Soooo, that's where I'm at in the process.  After my home study is completed, I will begin applying for various adoption grants.  Funding for the grants is limited so the chances of receiving a grant is low but it's zero if I don't apply.  I have lots of ideas on how people can help with raising the $$ for the adoption...if you're interested in helping, please let me know.  I dislike that much of the adoption process is tainted with financial needs but I am trusting God to provide all of my needs (and those of my future baby).  Already, I have experienced a deeper closeness with God and a desire to draw closer to Him. 

Thanks again to everyone for all of the encouragement, love and support!!

Join the Rollercoaster Ride...if you dare

I've finally decided to join the world of blogging with the goal of chronicling (wow! that's actually a word - I didn't make it up!) the newest ride in the rollercoaster of my life.

I love rollercoasters...well, most of them.  I love the anticipation of climbing to the top of a tall, steep hill and then plummeting toward the bottom of said hill as the scream gets sucked out of my lungs and the wind blows in my face.  I love the corkscrew turns and loop-de-loop upside down parts.  I love the rides that are fast but smooth.  I don't think I've stepped onto one of those rides...

Adoption.  Yes, you read that correctly :)  After months (years) of thinking and praying about adoption, I've decided to pursue an adoption.  I'm excited, scared and trying to experience each part of this journey.  Originally, I wasn't going to tell very many people about my decision, but that didn't happen (hence the creation of this blog) so here are the basics of where I'm at in the process:

~ I'm adopting an infant - local, domestic adoption.  My birth mom will probably reside in Indiana.  I'm going through a local agency.
~ Yes, I'm adopting as a single parent...yes, I'm also aware that this will be the hardest thing I've ever done!
~ I have spent hours in prayer over this and have experienced the peace only God can give in the decision
~ I am aware that there will be some people who think I'm crazy for doing this
~ I know my life will be forever changed

My journey towards adoption was influenced and impacted by SO many people!  I have been blessed to experience the truth that "family" is not limited to biological relatives.  In addition to my parents, my local "family" consists of 3 families who have encouraged and supported one another through the joys and struggles of life.  The Berry's, McGee's and Goerges' and I have loved, laughed, cried and prayed for and with one another for the past 6+ years of "doing life."  My Crosspoint family (iamcrosspoint.com) has been an instrumental part of this decision as we've participated in God's plan for a community of Christ followers.  

There is also a very special little boy who has influenced this decision.  Precious Jude spent 67 days with his parents and went home to Jesus last night.  I never met this sweet baby but I know his momma from college.  Reading about his journey (www.mandypelton.blogspot.com) touched my heart.  I haven't been able to put into words exactly how/why Jude's story contributed to my decision to adopt but he will always be part of my adoption journey.  

Several people have asked how I'm able to afford adoption...honestly, I can't.  I'm making sacrifices to save wherever I can but I'm trusting God to provide financially for the baby He has for me.  My employer has an adoption reimbursement program so part of my adoption will be covered.  Also, a very generous friend from Crosspoint has written a children's book and has asked that I accept a very generous gift from her.  Stay tuned for info on purchasing a copy of the book - it is a great book and will be available before Christmas (gift idea...hint, hint)!  I have ideas for other fundraisers and things I can make that someone might want to buy but I'll save those for another post. 

And, that's all she wrote...at least for today :)