Let me first say that I am soooo behind on blogging. I still need to post my St. Maarten blog. I apologize…
Well, as many of you already know, Steve and I had lunch with the local Director of Bethany Christian Services this last Monday. Rachel also joined us – and for the record, she is not a caseworker; rather she is the coordinator who receives all of the applications and processes the paperwork until you’re officially ready to be assigned a caseworker. I will say, first and foremost, that they were both very apologetic. Donna instructed Rachel to have a quick response time and had her call us. I wasn’t expecting that to be said and I have to admit that I still don’t agree with how all of that was handled. Thank goodness I don’t take no for an answer very easily.Donna (the local Director) asked some more questions about our relationship. Steve talked about his previous marriage and we both shared how we met, dated two years and were engaged a year. She seemed pleased to hear that we’ve been together almost 5 years total – and that we didn’t have a ‘fast track’ relationship/marriage. I felt a sense of relief when she found that information to be useful.
Donna also asked what our hopes/expectations were in pursuing adoption with Bethany and how we heard about them. That’s a pretty coincidental story too, but we’ll save it for a rainy day. We shared that we understand the time lines are uncertain, but we have a realistic understanding of that. Steve and I also mentioned that we are open to a bi-racial baby, our only concerns lie in a baby with severe physical needs. We were pleasantly surprised to hear that if we adopt a bi-racial baby in Missouri, there is money provided by the state to help with adoption costs and a small stipend is provided until the child reaches a certain age. You’re probably asking yourself why. Well, a lot of adoptive parents want healthy white Caucasian babies, so the government likes to assist those who are open to bi-racial. Donna asked if we had considered embryo adoption. After our unsuccessful IVF in May, we have our reservations; however, we do want to keep our options open and continue to PRAY.
Donna and Rachel then explained the timeline for the paperwork process: background checks, book reports, home study, adoption training seminar, etc. This will take approximately 4 months to complete before our profile as adoptive parents can be presented to the birth moms/parents. From that point on – it is an unknown timeline. For some reason, the timeline doesn’t concern us – being financially prepared does.
As we were wrapping up lunch and all of the details we had discussed, Donna asked if we had any additional questions. I mentioned that I was curious where we stood with Bethany and our desire to continue the adoptive process with them. Donna said that we can proceed with re-submitting the formal application. They may request a couple of additional references, but we have NO problems with that whatsoever.
And there is the GOOD NEWS that we were hoping for. We will be moving forward; however, Steve and I will be holding off on re-submitting our formal application until the new year as we continue to pray and seek God’s perfect will. If you’ve never been on a journey such as this – it’s certainly not an easy one. It’s exciting, but full of emotion, financial woes, etc.
THANKS AGAIN to each of you who are following our “Adoption Adventures.” Your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement continue to strengthen us. Blessings to you all….
Brenda Koepke Smith says
Kelly, that is good news! I continue to pray for you and Steve & hope that all of your dreams come true!