Adoption News

When we were told by DHS that we would not be able to open our home for foster children, more than one social worker assured us that the licensing standard that was preventing us from fostering would not prevent us from adopting. I asked around and found this to be true, so we geared ourselves up to wait for an adoptable infant. I received news today that DHS will not open our home for adoptive children due to the ages of our biological children. Homes are opened for adoption on a case by case basis. The fact that we have two year old twins and a four and half year old means, in the DHS' opinion, that we should not have an infant in our home.

I am shocked, incredulous, and just plain annoyed. I could go into more detail about the inner workings of the system and the state policies and blah blah blah, but I have no energy for that.

I don't know what this means for our family. Will we wait till Gramm turns six and try to open again? Will we pursue private adoption?

I have lots of questions. I have one answer. He has called us to be faithful. That's all I can do. I can think of so many situations in my life where waiting has been so good for me. I waited for my husband as we dated long-distance for 15 months and it was more than worth it. I waited for my son for 41 long weeks and he came out just perfect. :)

So, we wait. We can open as a foster home to care for infants when Gramm turns six. That is, if DHS keeps the same guideline printed in the foster parent handbook currently. That could all change anytime.

I am trying to trust Him. I am loving life with my three little ones and I see every day with them as a gift. Three kids is definitely a challenge, but the load seems a bit lighter when I think of having four children. I do hope for a fourth child to join our family by adoption, but for now, my cup overflows. He has made me content in this moment. (that could change in 30 seconds) :)

Love to all.