Home Study Approved!

The past few months have been hard and involved lots and lots of waiting and frustration. It seemed like every time that it looks like we were almost approved something came up... another question, requirement, something. First it was questions and the adoption worker just being busy. Then it was more questions. Then it looked like we were going to have to refill out some paperwork that scared me to death. Then there were more questions. Then all we were waiting for was to take an adoption class that was required. We knew that may hold us up but it was only 2 more days so no big deal right? We were supposed to be signed approval the next week. So no biggie no stress.

We go to the class. It's somewhat helpful, somewhat not. It was, however, very emotional. We watched the episode of 16 and pregnant where the couple gave their baby up for adoption and used the Bethany offices in their state. I've seen it before, it's actually the only episode that I had ever seen. This time it was different, much more emotional and much harder to watch. I cried the majority of the episode, as did most of the other adoptive parents. A lot of talk was on the birthparents and how difficult it was for them. It was hard seeing it from this side, knowing the difficult task that they will have ahead of them. We also got to talk and hear from a panel of people: a couple who adopted, a birthmom, and a lady who has two older children who did a trans-racial adoption. It was quite educational and helpful.

So I knew the director was going to be out of the office till Wed. So I didn't panic or worry, but along comes Friday, no email or call. Then comes Monday, still nothing. So I had plans to call on Tuesday and before I called I got an email stating that our workers computer had "died" and she couldn't get into it to answer the questions that the director had, but it was finally working and she said hopefully within the next day if not it would be Friday because of a staff meeting. At this point, I was glad she thanked us for our patience and had appologized but I have to be honest I was losing my patience. Ten days past the meeting and a month and a half from the homestudy. I didn't understand what was holding us up. It's really hard to be patient and to show patience when your hopes and dreams are held up by one piece of paper. Not to mention that  we couldn't start the grant process until we had an approved homestudy paper and grant applications are due in 10 days. If we miss this deadline the next is in August... so yes, I was beyond Frustrated. So Jimmy said we'll give it till next week, then we'll go face to face.

We'll today I got the call. Yes... we are FINALLY an APPROVED and WAITING family! All the tears, fears, and frustrations are more than worth it. My blessed neice asked how long now. When I said 6-12 months... she responded with wow, that's a long time! Yes it is, but after 3 years and 1 month to the day of waiting, to start a new wait time that hopefully will be a year or less... well, estatic doesn't really cover it. In fact, I celebrated with baby items. One I can't post pics of yet, because it's a present for Jimmy. The other was 2 canvases that I got that are perfect and really say how I feel. I'm also getting a portable high chair (for use later) and these awesome kimono booties. I am thrilled beyond measure. And if I thought the past few months have been hard waiting, I'm sure these will be miserable beyone measure! But oh to finally be able to say that we are truly waiting. I am blessed beyond measure.