Work, adoption, foster parenting...

So, big stuff is going on right now. I'm finally feeling functional enough to start working 10-15 hours a week, so I applied to some jobs and got 5 interviews within a week! All of them pay well and are less than part-time, so I'm feeling really grateful and blessed. I've had all the interviews but one, and I've already been offered 2 of the jobs. Yeah! I've been feeling better and better, so I'm going to move forward and hope for the best! I love feeling like I'm living a relatively normal life.

As for adoption--my husband and I are starting foster training and adoption preparation. It's kind of overwhelming to think of caring for a child 24/7 when you're only partially functional. Thankfully though, the process for adoption requires several months of training followed by even more waiting. By the time we have the opportunity to foster or adopt, I'll be ready to be a full-time mom. I have a lot of experience working with children. So, I'm hopeful that I can be a good mom, but I want my pain levels to be more stable first. I would never take a child into my home without being able to adequately care for him or her.

I feel like our decision to adopt started long ago in my heart. It started way before I knew I wouldn't be able to have a family in the way that most people do. I've been prepared and excited for this moment. Unfortunately though, I go to the meetings and feel so great about this decision, but then I go home and cry my eyes out because it still isn't easy! Planning a family this way takes a lot of patience and trust: 1. Adoption is really expensive. 2. There's a long waiting period. 3. Adoption agencies scrutinize every aspect of your life. 4. Since there aren't too many people who adopt, you may not receive the same support that a pregnant mom would. Because of the difficulties that adoptive moms face, you especially deserve a typical baby shower and lots of supportive understanding people around you. And you don't deserve any judgment passed on you by those who don't understand your situation.

One of the first things they asked us to do in the adoption meeting is to let all our friends know we're preparing to go forward with the adoption process. If you guys here of anyone (over the next year or so) wanting to put their baby up for adoption, can you please let us know? We are so grateful for you helping us start our family.

As for foster parenting. I've always wanted to be a foster parent. I saw the results of abuse and neglect when I worked for Head Start and it made me passionate about helping and loving children in need. Of course, it's not easy to be a foster parent either: 1. You have to go through lots of training. 2. Foster children are usually taken from their home because of neglect, drug/alcohol or physical abuse. So, there are usually huge behavior, physical, and emotional difficulties. 3.Foster children may stay with you a year and then return to live with their parents, and you will never have contact with them again.

That being said, I would love to be able to help children in need until their parents are able to really care for them. We haven't yet been approved for either adoption or foster parenting, so please pray for us! We're just beginning this journey and hope it ends well. We really appreciate all your prayers and support.