Paperwork Paperwork

We had a meeting a week ago with another company and have now more paperwork to complete.  First fingerprinting and then homestudy time.  The process is definitely underway.  I'll keep everyone updated!

So Many Agencies!

I got some paperwork in the mail yesterday and I could not believe the number of agencies in Kent County alone that deal with special needs adoption.  Of course I called them all.  Will wait for return calls because I tried calling some at 430 on a Friday!!  So many people are shocked that we are looking for a child with severe delays and that are medically fragile.  They just don't understand what a blessing these kids are.  Anyone who has had any interaction with kids like this never forget it.  I cannot wait to find "our child".  Thomas keeps asking me when our new child is coming.  I think he might be more excited than me.  LOL.  I tell him patience is a virtue.  God Bless everyone.

I spoke with Dennis with DCH this morning who was excited to hear from us.  He gave me so much information and a promising outlook that we should have a child hopefully sooner than we would think.  The total process from matching a child with a family to final adoption is approximately 6 months.  He said as of right now he does not have any prospective children but he has heard of several that he will likely get referrals on.  He places approximately 4-6 children per year with adoptive families.  God will point us in the right direction and help us choose the right child for us.  Please pray for all the children in this system that they receive loving adoptive families :-D  Until next update, have a blessed day.

Well, I spoke with Tracy...There is another family going to see the little boy at U of M tomorrow.  Since they already have their homestudy done, they will likely be the first to be "offered" this little guy.  He sounds significantly more high functioning than what we pictured for our family.  It's alright though.   We accept whatever God has planned for us.

The phone call was Very informative also.  She said there is a large number of children in Michigan alone that "fit" what we are looking for.  She is passing our name on to the gentleman that runs the DCH program for the state as he will be able to help us find the right child.  Again, waiting for yet another phone call!  :-D  This journey is so exciting.  Until next post...

January 27th, 2011

Hello family and friends

Where to begin....Most of you know what our family has been through for the almost 7 years that Thom and I have been married.  Most families would have broken up by now...Not us.  We are stronger than ever.  So strong that we have now decided to open our hearts and home to a child with special needs.  Our journey so begins.....

Almost 2 weeks ago we made contact with AdoptUsKids in hopes of finding a child to adopt.  We were then directed to talk with MARE (Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange).  I spoke to them on 1/25 and they will be sending me information on who to contact to get the ball rolling.  Of course, with my background, I already knew some of the companies to call so I took it upon myself to make phone calls yesterday.

First call was to DA Blodgett who I left a message for regarding an adoption homestudy, which is supposedly what needs to happen first.  Then I called Bethany Christian Services and luckily was able to talk with a case worker, Jan.  When I said that I needed to set up an adoption homestudy, she said "It's not as easy as that".  I was discouraged for just a moment.  Jan asked if I had been in contact with any other agencies and I replied, "I am just starting this journey and was told this is what I was to ask for".  She asked me to explain our situation and what type of child we were looking for.  I explained to her our background, told her all about Chelsea, and that I am a nurse who worked in PICU for years.  She was quiet for what seemed like minutes but was likely for 20 seconds or so...LOL.

Jan told me that a caseworker at DA Blodgett had called her just that morning about a child at U of M who was born premature and had severe special medical needs and was in need of a good home.  At that point, she didn't have any names to give her.  But then of course I called her!  She didn't have much information to give me about the child other than he / she is at U of M.  I was given the number for Tracy,  the caseworker at DA Blodgett, who is now handling the information....of course I called Tracy and of course she wasn't there.  We continue to wait for that return phone call........