We have had so many people ask about how the adoption process is coming, so I wanted to drop a quick note to keep everyone in the loop. A few weeks ago we turned in our mountain of paperwork. All of it was reasonable, it was just a lot of stuff to collect...certified copies of our birth certificates, marriage certificates and deed on our house, reference letters from friends and family, proof of employment and insurance, letters from our bank confirming our financial assertions, financial records, autobiographies, medical exams, etc etc etc. So anyway, we finally got through all of that and are on to the next phase.
We met with our social worker last night and were so encouraged by everything she had to share. We had some concerns regarding the financial "risks" we are undertaking as spelled out in the contract we have to sign with the agency, but she was a great comfort. She assured us that they do a lot of screening with the birthmothers on the front end, and statistically, once we are matched with a birthmother the chances of everything working out are really good...at least that is this agency's experience. She also walked us through the next few steps in more detail. We will begin the home study process this Sunday and will conclude it after the July 4th holiday. The home study consists of two visits from our social worker to our home. She will evaluate how we relate to and "manage" our children, the safety and cleanliness of our home, and we will discuss in more detail our parenting styles, childhoods, and motivations and expectations regarding the adoption. The home study process is a standard event that is required by the state to be considered a suitable adoptive parent, regardless of where the adopted child comes from.
The home study should be complete around the middle of July at which point we will begin the education phase. We will have several conferences with a member of our agency who will provide us with information regarding the specific circumstances and needs of adopted children. This is one of the reasons that we are so happy to be working with this agency, Children of the World. This is not just business to them. They are dealing with people's lives and they take very seriously the opportunity they have to minister to us, the birthmother, and the adopted child.
At this point, we will be ready to receive our son and will begin the waiting process. There are several ways to "find" our son, many of which we will investigate further when that time comes. Once we are matched with a birthmother through a mutual selection process, the majority of our expenses will come due. The birthmother's individual situation will determine how much financial help she needs from us regarding her basic needs as well as assistance from the agency. The more help she needs, the more it will cost us. The agency estimates a maximum expense of around $18,000. To be honest, we do not have $18,000 sitting in our bank accounts today. All we know is that God told us to start this process several months ago. He told me specifically then that He will provide what we need, when we need it, to trust Him and begin the process...even before the money is sitting in the bank. So here we are. We have a saved a good bit that will get us started and I have started Bezi's Creations in an effort to raise some of the funds, but we are taking one step at a time...confident that He will make good on His promise, just like He always does!
On the Bezi's front, I am getting ready to open a shop on Etsy in the next week or so. I am so excited about all that God has shown me through this business and I hope you will take a minute to check it out. The FaceBook page will stay up to keep you posted on our adoption progress, to display new products, and to offer promotions.
Thank you so much to all of you that have been so encouraging. Please continue to pray for us, our son, and his birthmother. Please pray for God's guidance as we all make decisions and for all things to play out in His perfect timing. As always, we are humbled and honored to be used in expanding His Kingdom and spreading His love.
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