People pursue adoption for many reasons. For some it is a longing that has been deep within their hearts for as long as they can remember. Some are privileged to walk alongside another family who has grown by adoption and are drawn in. For some it is a prayerful decision made in order to fulfill their longing for a growing family after a period of heart ache and medical treatments. Whatever journey leads to pursuing adoption we believe that it is not a "second choice" or a "back up plan" but instead, a journey perhaps unexpected but by no means second rate or unequal to that of pregnancy. We welcomed our first child into our family through a pregnancy. Our second child will join us through international adoption. Their arrival is just as anticipated. Our love for them has started to grow much the same way our love for little J grew before we met him. Our journey through adoption is bathed in love and prayer.....and perhaps a bit of trepidation.......not all that different from our waiting for little J. We are incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to welcome another child into our hearts and homes through adoption. We recognize that, in reality, adoption is a story of loss..... but what a privilege to be blessed with the opportunity to play a role in the redemption of such loss.
Just like the road leading to adoption is varied so is the process in which families engage in. This is our story and timeline:
March 2014 - Let the research begin. We decide to grow our family through international adoption.
April 2014 - We decided to pursue an adoption from South Africa with Mission of TEARS
May & June 2014 - Paper work, criminal record checks (both local and to make sure we aren't internationals spies :-), homestudy process
July 10th, 2014 - Skype with Mission of TEARS Director
July 14th, 2014 - Adoption Profile forwarded to South Africa......let the waiting begin
October 2014 - Meeting with Social Worker from South Africa in Regina
February 2015 - Update Police Record Checks
May 19th, 2015 - RECEIVED REFERRAL.....WE HAVE A BABY GIRL!
February 2015 - Update Police Record Checks
May 19th, 2015 - RECEIVED REFERRAL.....WE HAVE A BABY GIRL!
Your picture looks like its from the UofS so I wanted to introduce myself! My husband and I completed our first adoption from SA and are in the process of waiting for our second! Congratulations to you for being "officially" waiting! Such exciting times!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! We are just about to start the adoption process now. I hope it goes as smoothly for us as it seems to have gone for you!:) I am excited to follow along now that you're home...
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