Getting Started

Josh and I decided to try first to adopt through the State of Oregon so we started the process in November of 2008.  We attended the 3 weeks of training and classes and learned all about adopting through them. We learned what types of children were available and learned that it could take anywhere from 2-7 years to be matched with a child.

We filled out the application and background check forms, had out doctors complete the medical report forms and let our references know they would be contacted soon. When the background checks came back and all the other paperwork cleared we finally got to the homestudy. Three visits total, one with both of us together and then one a piece by ourselves.

I was anxious and nervous and  excited as we waited for them to tell us if we were qualified or not. In April of 2009 we finally got the official letter telling us we were qualified to adopt through the state! I was so happy I cried.

When you are trying to adopt, being told you are qualified and have been accepted as an adoptive family is similar to finding out you are pregnant. The main difference, aside from the no baby belly, is that instead of knowing you will be a parent in 9 months, you have no idea how soon it will be before you are a parent. It could happen in a few months or a few years.

I called everyone I could think of  to tell and was giddy all week at work knowing that we were finally on the adoption path. The wait had started and we worked hard to save up 3 months worth of my salary so I could take 3 months off from work when we finally got a child and not have to worry about money. I want to take the full three months allowed so I can bond with my child, I will be doing this for each child we adopt.

The joy of being told we qualified was palpable, I honestly can not express how incredibly happy and excited I was when we got that letter! I think this verse pretty much sums it up though:

He will your mouth with laughter and lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

God certainly fulfilled that promise that wonderful day in April!