In September, we accepted the referral of the two most beautiful boys you have ever seen. Here is the story of our adoption.
In 2005, Nick and I decide to start thinking about a family. I had been hospitalized for a week which required me to stop taking birth control, at this point in our marriage the idea of planning for a family seemed to be crazy but if it happened without really trying it was ok. So in 2006 we actively began trying to start a family. I did not realize that trying was another word for making your intimate life a second job. After the first month I was bummed but hopeful. Time passed and after a few months I began to "Research" different approaches. There were teas, diets, positions, times, pee sticks... you name it we tried it. Well needless to say months turned into a year and that was when we sought after medical opinions.
Well after many embarrassing tests, we were thrown into the unknown category for infertility. I was quickly learning that not every goal is attainable through determination. Our doctor told us our options and we went home to begin our decision making. The entire year was filled with prayer, tears, anger, dependency on God and our family. We watched as friends got pregnant with their children and then had their children.
We were given the choice to continue the goal of creating life from Nick and my own DNA or look into adoption. After much prayer we chose adoption. The choice to adopt was easy for us, there are millions of children without parents, and we were parents without children. After researching agencies, countries, policies and of course the financial impact, we chose Ethiopia. I feel like Ethiopia chose us, but that is a whole different story. So we applied to Children's Hope International, Ethiopia Program.
And... We were originally declined. Because I was only 24 and we had to be 25. I had 3 more weeks before they could officially accept us. So on Sept 8th 2007, we were accepted into the Ethiopia program. And the paper chase began. Who knew there were so many agencies that had to do with us. Banks, police, immigration, work places, references, the list goes on and on. After redoing many of the paper work because it took to long to complete the process we were officially placed on the list on October 7th.
The wait begins... We were originally told 6-10 months for siblings. That wait became much longer by December. In May we chose to request singles or siblings. The wait was starting to mess with my mind. Nick was solid. Definitely the Spiritual leader of the family. He was strong through the whole wait. Constant prayer, some fasting and lots of love.
In July, our boys were placed on the waiting list and the moment I saw them I was smitten. I have never had a moment where I felt like God spoke directly to me, but at that moment I knew these were going to be our boys. I told Nick and he asked me to pray for them for a week and if I felt strongly we would pursue with them. My prayer was simple. "Lord protect and calm these boys. If they are meant to be our sons, let it be clear; if not let a loving family take them quickly. Make them brave keep them safe."
Answered prayer. They were off the waiting list the next day. I felt confused. Why did I feel so strongly for them? How could I make this feeling up? I prayed for them and their new family every night. I still checked the list to see what was happening. August 20th, they returned on the list. At this moment there was no doubt in me at all. This was our answer to so many prayers. We requested their information and finally was able to speak to our case worker on Sept 1st. We prayed and prayed for peace in our decision.
On Sept. 12th we officially replied YES!!!!!!!!! We were now waiting for an interview with our social worker to make sure we would be qualified to parent a 4 and 7 year old. On September 16th our social worker told us we were approved it was going to happen. I cannot even explain the overwhelming joy I experienced during that call. Nick was at a training in San Luis Obispo. We spent the next 2 hours staring at the kids picture while on the phone with each other.
September 25th we finally were able to sign the referral form from our agency. So it was 11 months 2 weeks and 6 days since we were placed on the waiting list. We can now say we are parents. I can't say that word enough. I love it. It one of the best words in the world.
I am a Mom and Nick is a Dad. We have two sons. God has blessed us with an immediate family. And now the real waiting starts. I did not realize how hard it is to wait, knowing your children are not here. Some one else is taking care of them. We are not there to calm fears, kiss booboos, blow kisses, wipe tears, hear them laugh. My only sanity rests in that God has saved these boys for us. And right now they are learning about compassion from people who dedicate their lives to the orphans of their beautiful country.
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