Adoption Update: The Binder
The state of Oregon has deemed us worthy to be parents.Obviously, that shows you the integrity and trustworthiness of the government.
(*COUGH*)
So a week or so ago, UPS dropped off a a honkin' three-ring binder to our house. In it were 109 pages of kids, each page representing one child or a sibling set of kids.
This marked the beginning of the next stage of our adoption journey--picking out our next kid (fourth. and. final.) from a list.
"What a breeze," I thought.
So Hubs and I flipped through the binder separately, made our lists of possibilities, and then sat down to compare.
AND NOT A NAME ON OUR LISTS DID MATCH.
Obviously we are on the same page with this matter.
So after a quick round of "Dear, You Have No Taste In Children So Let's Just Rid Ourselves Of YOUR List And Simply Work From MINE," we moved on to "Pick A Kid Poker."
It was such a beautiful experience, not unlike pregnancy and childbirth.
(*NOT!* *SO!* *MUCH!*)
We finally half-heartedly agreed on two little girls--who we soon found out were already on the road to adoption.
(Good news.)
And now.
Each Friday I get five or so new pages ("kids," let's call them) sent to me through the e-mail for Hubs and I to thumb-wrestle over and discuss.
What we do know is that the rules have changed just a bit--in that previously, potential adoptive parents had roughly a month to apply for a child, and then that list of parents (of likely 50, for the younger kids) was narrowed down to three for a committee to choose from.
Now? Once the committee sees three "good" families (whatever that means), the doors are closed to any more parents wanting to apply. That's good news for the kids--it means they are getting into their forever families more quickly. However, what it means for us is that when we see The One, we will have approximately 35.6 minutes to make a decision and pick up the phone to apply.
So, you know. Pray that when Our Child pops up in the e-mail,
Fully knowing that "rational" and "peaceful" will require nothing less than a miracle.
Meanwhile, I'll be looking forward to Fridays and to what our future family will become.
If you're new around here and would like more of the back story, check out these posts (listed in reverse chronological order):
The PS To That Humiliating Update
Adoption Update: Alternately Titled, Just Humiliate Me And Get It Over With
An Adoption Update: Subtitled, The Most Unflattering Picture You'll See Today
The Vote Is In: Did You Choose X Or Y?
It's Like That Baby Shower Game, Only Different
An Adoption Update. Because You Asked.
7 comments:
Eenie, meanie, minie, mo!! Do, C, Z & E get to vote, too??? That would really make it interesting. Your next child is waiting for "YOU" and only you, so grind your teeth and get ready to ROLL with the punches. When the right one comes around, you will have the time to get your names in. Remember, with lots of people, it is really difficult to get pregnant, too. IT'S ALL IN GOD'S HANDS ANYWAY, AND HE WILL BRING YOU THE CHILD YOU ARE TO HAVE. So there. I guess I've said enough, right?
What an experience this is! Sort of like casting lots, I suppose. Hope the choosing process is recognizably miraculous and divine. :)
wow! we are praying for you guys!
Oh, that sounds so difficult - and frustrating! A kid catalog! I guess you simply hope providence takes over and brings you the child meant for you!!!
Found you on Twitter - I'm dkMommy.
How exciting- not necessarily the process but definitely the outcome! What you are doing is awesome!
Oh my goodness - the process sounds nerve-wracking, but the good news is, God is in control.
"He sets the lonely in families..."
Psalm 68:6
Julie
I just wanted to let you know that I've left you an award over at my blog. You can stop by http://heathershodgepodge.blogspot.com/2009/04/award.html to pick up your award, if you'd like.
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