Process Update #3

We completed our individual interviews on Thursday, January 31. It was a lengthy process and we are glad that part of the home study is complete. We mostly focused on stress – stress in our family, marriage, and how we handle and process stress.  The adoption process itself can be stressful but our agency is also trying to prepare us for the stress that will come with bringing home a child that is unfamiliar with us, our country, our culture, and life outside an orphanage.  Lifeline is very thorough in the information given to us and we are thankful for the training and preparation we are receiving along the way.

We have one more visit with our social worker before our home study report can be written. Before this visit can be scheduled we have to complete all the required training. This is a lengthy list of books, videos, medical evaluations, fingerprints, background checks, etc.  Most of these things are just gathering basic information about us or giving us basic training on common topics about adoption in general or India specifically.  However, there is one form that stands out to us and has been difficult for us to process.  It is the Special Needs Consideration form.  This is where we notate what special needs we feel our family has the capacity for.  We understand that each family is different and that what God has placed on our hearts is different than that of others. But it is very unsettling to pick and choose the needs we are capable of handling when it comes to our future child.

So here we are. Wrestling with the decisions we have to make so we can move forward.  We have had to let go of emotions and really look at the deeper purpose of this form.  Lifeline wants to make sure that they match us with a child that best fits our family of five.  They also want us to consider every factor possible about what life post-adoption will be like with various special needs.  This also includes the financial responsibility and the effects it would have on our other children.

Once we send this form to Lifeline, we will have a phone call with a matching specialist to discuss what we have selected. We know and trust that God is in control of this entire process.  We also know that God will provide us with the child He has chosen for us.

How you can pray for us:

• Would you pray over this form and these decisions with us? Pray that our capacity would be made clear.  Pray that we would have peace with our decisions. Pray that we continue to trust God through this process.
• Pray the we can complete this “paper chasing” phase quickly. It seems to be never ending.
• Pray that the documents we send out are done correctly both on our end and Lifeline’s end. India is very specific in their requirements and those requirements can change. Certain specifications are not always communicated clearly. Lifeline is very good at letting us know these changes quickly but they are not always aware of them until documents are returned for whatever reason.
• Lastly, please pray that I do not get so caught up in this process that I lose site of daily blessings and the stage we are in with our family.

Psalm 25:9-10 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of His covenant.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.