Orientation

When you adopt through Christian Homes and Family Services, you are required to attend their orientation. We traveled to Arlington TX to attend a two day orientation. Thankfully, we had family in the area that were wonderful hosts! It was great to visit with family and save a little on our weekend expenses! 

We met several staff members from CHFS and other potential adoptive families on Friday. We underwent a crash course in the "administrative" aspects of the adoption. For some reason I wasn't worried going into the weekend about the paperwork-there is a part of me that enjoys documentation, paperwork, etc. However, when people say adoption paperwork is overwhelming THEY ARE NOT KIDDING! We have to complete at least 20 documents (some of these are 10 pages or more) as well as providing at least 15 "proof of" documents before we can even be approved to schedule a home study. WOW. I thought I could have this paperwork done in 2 weeks...I was definitely wrong! 

Saturday was the day that impacted both of us the most. This is the day in which we heard from those who were adopted (these women were in their 20s and were able to share their stories), birth mothers, and adopted families. I never realized what I really thought about the adoption process and those involved until I attended. Through CHFS and the people associated with them, God revealed to us what He can do through an adoption: encourage a mom who is contemplating abortion, show God's love to the broken, mend hearts by having a common love for a child, and so much more. Every single testimony touched our hearts, and we were so thankful that God showed us what adoption can really be about. He calmed our fears/questions about open adoption and helped us realize what we can expect. He also helped us realize that we need to trust Him with the unexpected. Adoption can be an awesome way for God to work and show His love and grace to everyone involved. It can also be a way in which Satan can take advantage of sensitive situations and fragile hearts. As we go through this process, we pray that we can recognize and embrace God's faithfulness. We ask that you join us in prayer.....we are going to need it! 

Hopefully we can get this paperwork tackled soon. Several people have already asked how they can support us in our adoption. Our next post will focus on some of these questions.... 

Have a great week!