Option 4, S.I.D. & Other Realities - An Adoption Update

It's been a while since I've done a little adoption update.

Our home study is complete and accepted by the organization we are doing our international adoption through. The home study is where we are put under the microscope by a social worker to determine if we are fit to be parents.

This crucial step allows us to move forward on preparing the dossier. The dossier is the comprehensive set of documents and information required by the country where we will be adopting.

We are still in a bit of a holding pattern when it comes to determining which country we will be adopting from. Without getting into full details, the country Janelle and I have felt a strong pull toward may or may not have a future with the organization we are adopting through. We continue to trust God.

As a product of this holding pattern, we are also holding on the preparation of our dossier, as each country has a different set of requirements and documents needed.

We are also in the midst of an 8 hour online course on International (or as they call it, intercountry) adoption. So far, I would label the class with one word... REALITY.

• We are the 4th option: With the child, the first hope is that natural parents to take up their role. The 2nd preference would be one of the relatives. The 3rd preference would be someone from the country where the adoption is taking place. If these options are not possible, then we are being considered.
• Skin Color: As much as we walk into this color blind, and our child will be our child no matter what, there will be obstacles to face with becoming a "mixed-race family".
• New Health Words: We have been introduced to words and phrases like Microcephaly, Sensory Integration Disorder(S.I.D.), and Institutionalization.
  

With these REALITIES we do not find ourselves in any way hesitant with our decision. Don't get me wrong. We will often look at each other and say, "What are we getting into?" BUT, it is not a question of doubt. It's a question filled with anxiety and excitement... fear and faith.

The journey continues...