Adoption Journal #2

Well after months of prep work including countless hours of research through adoption websites, articles and books we began the process in earnest with orientations at our local county social service office and private domestic agency. Wednesday night we attended the "Adoption Application Workshop" through Orange County Social Services. Here we were handed pages and pages of application material. Probably 40 pages of questionairres related to what type of child we want, how our marriage is(including how is our sex life?), what types of families we come from, income and other things. To be honest, it was a discouraging meeting. To be told that despite the fact that thousands of children await homes, we have to wait months (probably years) to bring one into our family is disheartening. The hoops and obstacles are part of the process, but it seems so enormous.We know this is what God wants for us, but it gets discouraging. MY son or daughter is out there somewhere (whether they have been born or even conceived). God has a child chosen for Mandy and I and it is difficult to wait. In our hearts we are already parents and it is like we are being told that we can't take our baby home from the hospital until we are good enough. I know God will help us persevere, but it seems a daunting task.Through the county we must take 9 parenting classes, plus get our foster licensed, plus endure 6 months of home study, plus take some type of foster class and then see if we are matched up. Once a child is placed in our home it is at least six months before our adoption is official. On the plus side the county pays for everything. Private agencies cost anywhere from $18-$25000 for a domestic adoption (with international costing anywhere from $20-$45000, once travel is factored in). Why is the choice between time and money so difficult. Our "parenting" classes begin next week, so I'll let you know how it goes.