The last week or so has been such a mental whirlwind for us. First of all, the amount of support and love and encouragement from our loved ones has been overwhelming and much appreciated. We are extremely excited for this next chapter of our lives, adding to our family is something we want very much and we couldn't be more anxious to provide a home to children in need.
Today I spoke on the phone with a very sweet lady from Buckner International, she answered a lot of the questions I had and shed some light on the three different adoption programs that they offer. The programs are Foster-To-Adopt, Waiting Texas Children (WTC), and Domestic Infancy Adoption (DIA). DIA is basically being chosen by a pregnant mother to adopt her unborn child. The costs associated with it are dramatically higher, but we would eventually get a newborn baby to adopt when we are chosen. The wait time is longer, as only 10 babies per year are placed through DIA.
We are wanting to adopt at least 2 children, preferably siblings, so DIA isn't the program we feel is best for us, as amazing as it sounds to have another baby. We aren't interested in Foster-To-Adopt, either, because a fact about this method is that the majority of children in this program are eventually reunited with biological parents after treatments or other biological family members. We would most likely get attached to the children we were fostering, and they would probably never become available for adoption.
So that leaves us with WTC, which adopting out of the foster care program. These are children with parents who have lost their parental rights and other family members have not been able to be found as willing or suitable. Our desire for siblings will almost certainly be able to be fulfilled through this program. Cost-wise, there's a $1000 fee (that is refundable once placement becomes permanent) and then any adoption fees from an attorney at the end of the process. Our company pays up to $5000 in adoption fees for us, so that will be a huge help as well.
Tonight I watched a 40 minute online informational video, and completion was step one on the road to getting licensed for permanent placement of children in our home. Tomorrow Andrew will fill out our application and submit it, as well as find time in the next day or so to watch the video himself. It gave detailed information on each of their programs and the company's history (which dates back to the 1800's, it's an AMAZING organization that is about so much more than adoption, I encourage all of you to take some time to look them up!).
I don't know how I'm going to go to bed tonight, my head is swirling with statistics and requirements and HOPE. I felt more sure of our decision with each passing minute of the video. This is where God wants us, I feel it in my soul. I am definitely anxious and excited and nervous and hopeful and all sorts of emotions, haha, so please do not hesitate to ask me questions or engage in conversation with us about this, we want to talk about it with anyone who wants to listen. =)
Alright, I have to try and get some sleep. Good night, everyone!
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