a BIG adoption update

A few months ago the paperwork began yet again, to start the adoption process. BUT this time it would be new country (U*ANDA) and new agency. If you read this blog then you know what a painful process our adoption has been. We have turned into "that" family. The one that waits years and years and people begin to ask "are they really even adopting?" I could really use this time to talk about everything that went wrong and how much we despise our agency, but I'm going to hold my tongue on that one. :) In 2011 Ethipia experienced a very big slow down. I think everyone is effected no matter what agency you are with, but if you are with a large agency and with an agency that may not be staffed appropriately (oops, there I did it...my tongue came out) then your wait time could be exponentially greater than others. Things were NOT moving and we knew we could not commit any longer to an adoption that would have no end in sight. The time had come where more fees were due and we needed to update our homestudy and we could no longer pay money into a sinking ship. Let's just say we have learned A LOT and our hope is that if anyone is thinking about adopting or has any questions please come talk to us. We would love to be a resource for you. What we've learned along the way: 1. People have their opinions on domestic, international, and fostering. International adoption has it's own risks just like domestic adoption. There is no one "right" way. It's really where is God calling YOU? 2. Adopting from one of the biggest, most reputable agencies is not always a good thing. When you choose a large agency they will have more families in their program so if a slow down happens well that just means you are going to wait longer 3. Do your homework. Make sure your agency is trustworthy. Are they thoroughly investigating every case to make sure that child is a true orphan or do they just care about making money? 4. Adoption is beautiful, but it's hard and it's messy. You're going to have to be tough through the process, while you wait and after your child comes home even more so. NOW.....for the GOOD NEWS We are #18 on the waitlist for Uganda. We are going through a very small, Christian, agency that has been wonderful to work with. So you ask our timeframe??? The soonest we could get our referral is November. BUT, my guess is that it will probably happen the beginning of next year. After we get our referral we will travel and stay in country for up to 6 weeks with the WHOLE family! It will be total craziness, but from what I hear travelling with your whole family is best for bonding and attachment. xoxo -On a side note I can't figure out what is going on with this blog! When I type in draft mode I have it all spaced out appropriately and then when I go to preview or publish it has everything lumped together. So for all you computer wizzes out there please help!