John and I discussed this quite a bit. We feel the right course would be A. Domestic and B. Newborn. While I know that international children deserve families as much as U.S. children, I just feel so right about domestic. Adoption is very much a calling because it is so emotional and personal. I think a lot of decisions are made by instinct and the right decisions are the ones that feel good inside. It's hard to explain to those who don't go through it. Also, international adoptions can be limited when it comes to age of adoptive parents. For certain countries we wouldn't even be considered because we are 25. As for age...this child will be my first. I want to be there for as many moments as I can. I want to experience bringing a child home from the hospital, nervously checking for his/her breath as he/she sleeps, feeding at all hours of the night. I feel like I have a right to want that like other mothers out there.
Onto the next decision...who is going to help us?
For weeks I've been reading, searching, and thinking about different agencies. I found three that are contenders. I've requested information packets and R.S.V.P-ed to free information seminars hosted by these agencies. I've examined every inch of their websites and exhausted Google looking for reviews/complaints. I've joined online support groups and talked with a few in the online community. I took the advice of an adoption guide book I bought last week and checked with the Better Business Bureau. It sounds like I've really done my homework so I should be close to a decision right?
Not even close.
My mind is spinning with facts, statistics, good reviews, bad reviews and anything else I've crammed in there. I think I may be looking at too much. Next week we have our first information session. I hope that after I meet with some social workers I will get a better sense of the agency. (I hope.)
I wish there was someone who could point out "Yep, they are definitely the right one!" John says that in that aspect we will have to wing it a bit. At the end of the day you have to go with your instinct. There's only so much research a person can do.
Hi! I found your blog through Rebekah's (Saying Yes To Adoption)...a comment of yours, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your story--it is so much like mine! My husband and I have been going through infertility for about 5 years--I have PCOS, like you. Although it is a possibility for me to become pregnant (I have heard MANY success stories!), I have always felt like I will not.
We are adopting from Ethiopia through All God's Children. We are so excited to be starting a family.
I will be thinking of you and praying for you to find the right agency.
On a side note, I grew up Catholic, but never really connected with God, until I started attending a non-denominational church. It was what I needed to begin learning who I was and what God had planned for me. I am still growing in my faith, but it has helped me to grasp why life happens as it does. Keep searching your heart for hope and purpose. God has big plans for you!
~Jessica
www.bringingyoumorethanasong.blogspot.com
jessicamumford@hotmail.com
Hello!
DeleteI've only just started this adoption process but I love the sense of community that comes with it! It is so nice to connect with people who are going through the same thing.
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I will also be thinking of you while you are on your journey to family :). I can't help but keep my fingers crossed for the thousands of other waiting parents out there. Like my Mom has said to me in the past, it is definitely worth the wait!
Keep in touch!
Katie