Friday night we got to listen to a panel of adoptive parents, which was just wonderful. We loved to hear each different story. It really helped us to be even more excited about this important decision we made. We also learned about things to do and not to do. I think one of the most important things we were told during the panel was to remember that the adoption is such a small part of the process. Parenting is what you will be doing from the day you get your child forward.
On Saturday we discussed transracial adoptions, adoption fees, legal issues, emotional issues, and we were also supposed to have an adoptee panel. Our adoptee panel turned into one person who works for CSS, and was adopted back in '85. She spoke about being left on the doorstep of a Korean orphanage and being raised in that orphanage until she was three until she was adopted by an American family in Michigan. She was very positive and had a great personality. I think she brought up a lot of issues that adoptees may go through throughout their lives. Also good to know! A lawyer came in to talk about the legal issues. That part was a little boring (we had talked about most of it already). Dang lawyers! ;) The other thing we talked about was the adoption fees and I think we feel quite a bit better about that part of it all. One of the most important pieces from today was Positive Adoption Language. We never really thought about the language we use when talking about adoption, but this language makes sense. Please click on the link above to take a look. It is very important to us that all our friends and family begin to learn and use the same language.
Sunday we discussed birth families - who they are and what they go through in the adoption process. We also talked more about the adoption process and what happens before, during, and after the baby is born. Two birth mothers came in to share their stories which were just absolutely heart-wrenching and amazing. I just could never imagine how a mother can make the decision to make an adoption plan for their child, but what a wonderful gift. I just think how wonderful it would be to be lucky enough to be chosen to receive that gift.
So now we are done with that step. We were told we had to wait a week or so before asking for an application. (Warning: venting about to take place) UGH!!! Haven't we waited enough?! We've been trying for nearly 7 years, waiting for our own. We wait monthly for medication, blood tests, dr. appointments, cycles, etc. We had to wait for this workshop. We'll be waiting for our home study, recommendation, portfolio, selection by a birthmother, relinquishment, and 6 month period until finalization. Rrr! (Okay, venting done).
