Orientation

Well, nine hours of training down and we know everything there is to know about adoption! Ha! The nine hours of training is true, but we still have a LOT to learn. We spent the day, Saturday, with 6 other couples learning about the adoption process and all those involved. Generations brought in three couples who had previously adopted through them to share their stories. The first couple was sharing their story of adopting an African-American boy and a biracial little girl. They talked to us about opening our hearts to any ethnicity and how to handle it. They told stories of how they have tried to expose him to his culture and how they are learning the differences as well. It was pretty entertaining to hear some of the experiences they have had out in public (black child, white parents....you can just imagine!). My favorite was when the little boy was running away from his daddy in the grocery store, and the dad was saying "come to daddy" with emphasis on the DADDY so as to make it clear he was not stealing a child! Each adoptive couple shared the ups and downs of the process and how in the end, the Lord provided a special child just for them.
We also heard from two birthmothers who have previously placed a child for adoption. They shared the emotions involved in making that choice and how they have come through it. Listening to their stories, really dispelled the adoption myths that "birthmothers don't care about their child if they place them for adoption." This is far from the truth. They care SO much and love that baby SO much, they want to give them a better life, and so choose adoption. It was difficult to watch them re-live the experience and how it still effects them. Yet, at the same time, they each felt such a peace that it was exactly the decision the Lord led them to so many years ago. I am thankful they chose life! What courage these birthmothers have to make this choice in today's world!
A family practitioner came to discuss risk factors in pregnancy for birth moms who smoke, drink or use drugs. He gave a very broad overview of each, and how it affects the fetus.
The rest of the time was a lot of information and stories of the process and what we should expect. It was a LONG day, but was very informative. It was a nice time to be able to ask questions, hear other views, and clarify confusions about every aspect.
Brian and I left this training very encouraged that we were still on the right track, and that the Lord has a precious baby waiting for us. We are so thankful that we were able to attend this training so much sooner than planned! Right now the ball is in our court. We have a lot of paperwork to fill out and send off. As soon as we get this part completed and turned in, we will schedule our home study. (This is also when the first large payment will be due). Once the home study is over and we are 100% approved, they will start showing our profiles to prospective birth mothers! This is so exciting to think about!
Our prayer now is for our future birth mother and child......