Adoption: Some Thoughts.

Penny and I have been at this adoption thing for about 6 months or so. People have told us to be patient because it's a long process. Boy, they weren't kiding! Here are some thoughts on our Russian adoption.

The US Government takes their sweet time. In December Penny and I made an appointment to get fingerprinted by the FBI so that we could be ok'd by the Department of Homeland Security. We were able to get our fingerprinting incredibly fast. We thought the turn around would be just as fast. No dice. We still haven't heard from them. I guess a husband and wife trying to adopt internationally is not at the top of their priority list.

The Russian government can't make up their minds. Since we began the process in August, the Russian government has made several (like 3-5) changes in the process for Americans adopting Russian children. The latest: when adopting two children they can only be siblings, no exceptions. Before January this wasn't the case. It makes us wonder what's next?

It costs a lot of money! I wont get into too much detail, but the cost of adopting two children these days is not cheap and we aren't rich. Penny and I decided right off the bat that we couldn't afford this but we know that this is what the Lord has called us to do, and we trust that He will provide. Plus, no price is too much when it comes to your kids!

It's hard to contain yourself. One of the most difficult parts of this process thus far has been the desire to go get our kids right now! We want so bad to just get on with it, its hard to hold it in sometimes. Its great to know that God is all knowing and none of this is a surprise to Him. He knows our children and when they will (or have been born). He is in control and this gives us great comfort.

Long periods of silence. Another difficult part of the adoption experience: silence. Sometimes we go weeks without hearing anything. Its almost like the whole adoption is on hold. We do know that this is a part of the whole deal and we remind each other of this. This is kind of a weak analogy but here you go. Its like when you put an offer in on a house, and you wait, and there is silence , and you wonder what's going on at the other end. It drives you nuts!

Please pray for us as we trust and wait. We know that the Lord has called us to get our babies from Russia but it sure is a trying process. As soon as there is "breaking news" I will be sure to inform you.