We are often asked if this is normal to take this long? Well yes, it is. Sometimes placement happens quickly and other times there is a longer wait. With our agency, it is typical to wait a year or more.
Our home study was approved in October so we have now been waiting for 6 months.
Our lives are full so time has gone quickly. In other words, we aren't just sitting around waiting by the phone.
We are continuing to save the needed funds for our placement fee of $14,150. We are so thankful that we already have over half of that amount saved thanks to fundraisers, donations from generous friends and family members and our own saving efforts. Our immediate need and current financial goal is to raise the remaining $6500 for the placement fee.
We have applied for several adoption grants and will have to wait several months before we know anything about those. There is no guarantee that we will receive grant money but one thing is certain--we have a better chance of being approved for a grant if we fill out the paperwork and apply than if we chose not to apply at all!
Our "Funds Raised To Date" widget on the sidebar here on the blog continues to wig out and not show the correct dollar amounts. Our total goal is $23,000 which includes agency costs, attorney/finalization fees and possible birthmother expenses. To date, we have raised approx. $12,000 of the total $23,000, leaving us with approx. $11,000 left to go. (I have exact numbers but am not near them right now!:)
Waiting is not all about the finances although that has been a large part of this journey so far. We are preparing our hearts and home to receive a little one.
We don't have the nursery completely set up and probably won't until after our little one is placed with us. But we do have some things set up and have acquired some baby items.
We have been generously given many needed baby items already and have also been blessed to find other things at very good prices. The above pictured changing table was purchased at a yard sale and is in superb condition.
I've been diligently building up a small diaper stash ever since we found out our home study was approved. My goal has been to buy one package of diapers per week. I haven't done this religiously but have bought at least 2-3 per month. These will come in handy once baby arrives. It won't be enough to last until potty training time but gives us a good start!
As we continue to wait and trust God for His perfect timing for everything concerning our adoption, would you please join us in prayer?
Pray for the birthmother of our baby--God knows her name and her situation-- that she would know how much she is loved by God and that He would guide her steps and decisions in the coming days.
Pray for our future little one--for protection as he or she develops and grows. That he or she will always know how much they are loved and that their life has meaning and purpose. Psalm 139 comes to mind here!
Pray that we will stay focused on Christ through this time of waiting, that our minds and hearts will be at peace, knowing that God has every detail written out.
Pray that the remaining funds needed to complete the adoption will be provided at the right time.
If you feel led to contribute financially you can donate through our You Caring page.
Thank you for being a supporter of our adoption!
