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........