One year ago today, we were completing our fourth and final homestudy. Just a short month later would find out that we were homestudy approved. It's been a long year in some ways, but I remember the whirlwind of it all in the beginning, just like it was yesterday. So many requirements to be met, and me; I want to have everything done right now, and done the right way the first time. And now, some days are just quiet. Very quiet.
Going into adoption, we knew we'd be faced with a wait. We went into this process knowing that the average wait in adoption is one to two years. Does knowing that make it any easier enduring the wait? Not at all. However, we know that in time, this calling to adoption that was placed on our lives, will all come together. And when it does, we will understand the things that right now we do not.
Over the past year while getting calls about potential situations, both with Choosing Hope Adoptions, and the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, saying yes to having our profile shown to expectant birth mothers/families, we've prayed each time, that "God if this be your will, let it be done, and if it's not, please give us the peace to be okay with that." It's not been easy getting that follow up call stating that a birth mother/family chose a different family. And then to face the difficult situation we did in September, that made us question adoption all together. But He knew. He knew that we would face each of those phone calls. He knew that we would go through what we did in September. And he knows what lies ahead.
We've looked into expanding our options with adoption agencies. The more you are signed up with, the better. It expands the reach of where your profile is shown, and increases your chances of matching with a birth mother/family. We've found some agencies we are interested in, but the fees differ from agency to agency, and the reality is that the national average cost of adoption is $39,966 - with some being as low as about $15,000 and upwards of $60,000. Why? Agency Fees, Legal Fees, Birth Mother Expenses, and Advertising from the agency, if they offer that. We don't want to let money stand in the way, but reality is. It does. It matters.
We have found an adoption agency out of state, that we are applying with, and just today we mailed out a stack of paperwork, and copies of our family profile. Once they receive some other documentation from our Adoption Agency, we will know if we can become an active family with this Agency. Will you please pray with us? This is a Christian Adoption Agency, just like Choosing Hope, whose focus is on the child, birth family, and prospective adoptive family. They truly care for all involved, just as Choosing Hope does.
We know that God has a plan. And we just ask that you keep on praying.
We want to again thank you for your prayers, and support throughout this journey. By sharing our story, and fundraisers - you've helped us come so much farther than we ever imagined. We are forever grateful for you!
So...here's to thinking back, and looking forward, Lord. Our lives are in your hands <3
Blessings,
Amber & Kevin
Going into adoption, we knew we'd be faced with a wait. We went into this process knowing that the average wait in adoption is one to two years. Does knowing that make it any easier enduring the wait? Not at all. However, we know that in time, this calling to adoption that was placed on our lives, will all come together. And when it does, we will understand the things that right now we do not.
Over the past year while getting calls about potential situations, both with Choosing Hope Adoptions, and the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, saying yes to having our profile shown to expectant birth mothers/families, we've prayed each time, that "God if this be your will, let it be done, and if it's not, please give us the peace to be okay with that." It's not been easy getting that follow up call stating that a birth mother/family chose a different family. And then to face the difficult situation we did in September, that made us question adoption all together. But He knew. He knew that we would face each of those phone calls. He knew that we would go through what we did in September. And he knows what lies ahead.
We've looked into expanding our options with adoption agencies. The more you are signed up with, the better. It expands the reach of where your profile is shown, and increases your chances of matching with a birth mother/family. We've found some agencies we are interested in, but the fees differ from agency to agency, and the reality is that the national average cost of adoption is $39,966 - with some being as low as about $15,000 and upwards of $60,000. Why? Agency Fees, Legal Fees, Birth Mother Expenses, and Advertising from the agency, if they offer that. We don't want to let money stand in the way, but reality is. It does. It matters.
We have found an adoption agency out of state, that we are applying with, and just today we mailed out a stack of paperwork, and copies of our family profile. Once they receive some other documentation from our Adoption Agency, we will know if we can become an active family with this Agency. Will you please pray with us? This is a Christian Adoption Agency, just like Choosing Hope, whose focus is on the child, birth family, and prospective adoptive family. They truly care for all involved, just as Choosing Hope does.
We know that God has a plan. And we just ask that you keep on praying.
We want to again thank you for your prayers, and support throughout this journey. By sharing our story, and fundraisers - you've helped us come so much farther than we ever imagined. We are forever grateful for you!
So...here's to thinking back, and looking forward, Lord. Our lives are in your hands <3
Blessings,
Amber & Kevin
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