Orientation

I would have blogged sooner, but I've been glued to the couch being sick.  Feeling better, but this cough is going to be tough to kick.

Our orientation was Tuesday night and it was beneficial.  We met 5 other nice couples looking into adoption also and the director of the Adoption Center of San Diego, Sarah Jensen.  She has worked in adoption for numerous years and has a lot of great knowledge.  We did have to leave a little early because I was feeling terrible.  But here is some information we learned:

** Birthmothers don't see their baby as a gift, they see the adopting parents as the gift.  Also, they don't GIVE UP their baby for adoption...they PLACE their baby in a home of their choice.

* The average age of birthmothers that come into the Adoption Center are 18-25 years; however, they've had 1 mother as young as 13 and 1 as old as 44 years.

* Birthmothers and birthfathers (presumed, not alleged) have 30 days once they sign the adoption papers to change their mind.  But Sarah Jensen said that it's rare that happens.  Typically, if a birth parent is going to change their mind, then it will be before the baby is born.

* Information that we'll be provided when a birthmother chooses us: medical history of birthmother (Adoption Center gets a medical release from the birthmother), birthfather (if known), medical history of the family, drug and/or alcohol history, hobbies, school, personality traits, information on birthgrandparents, etc.  It's about 10 pages of information.

* Once a birthmother chooses us, then we begin to build a relationship with her and her family.  We do this by:  spending quality time with them, invite her/them to our family gatherings, go to prenatal appointments and have open phone conversations.

Next up!
We filled out a questionnaire that is reviewed by the Adoption Center to find out if we are good canidates.  If we are, then our next step is the Application Processing & Adoption Readiness Sessions.  Please keep us in your prayers that God allows us to be accepted.

I can tell this adoption process will include a lot of "hurry up and wait".  Here is a perfect scripture that a friend sent to me in a card recently:

"These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2:3

We hope to have more information to share with you soon.

Love & hugs,
Brenda