There are quite a few options when going about the adoption process. Domestic, international, open, closed, through an agency or lawyer, age and ethnicity of the child, etc. Josh and I have prayed separately and together about all our choices and have been led to the following decisions:
Domestic adoption through a Christian agency-Adoption Center of Hope
We chose this agency through a recommendation from a family friend. They take very good care of their families, offering them support and counseling to be sure adoption is right for them as well as support in other aspects of their lives. The agency director is one of the sweetest and most compassionate people I've ever met. We are very happy with our choice.
We want to adopt a newborn.
Our agency matches expectant mothers with adoptive families no earlier than their third trimester (again, to give them time to be sure of their decision). Ideally we (or at least I) would like to be present at the birth. That would be an incredibly beautiful gift, but not a deal breaker. We want to respect everyone's privacy.
We are good with open or closed adoption but would prefer at least a little open.
We want our child to know where they came from. We want them to know that your decision to place them for adoption was made out of love. We understand that every situation is unique and the level of openness in this adoption is up for discussion between us and our future birth family. We will respect our birth families desires.
Ethnicity.
This is a subject that seems to bring up a lot of opinions no matter how we answer. There are people who think adopting outside your own ethnicity is asking for trouble and those who say only adopting within your own ethnicity is selfish. We have decided to keep this part of our adoption private. It is between us, God, and the family who chooses us to raise their child. We will follow God's lead.
Baby and expectant mom's background and health.
This we are going to take on a case by case basis as well. However, after the loss of our daughter we do not feel emotionally prepared to handle severe health issues.
Gender.
We would be equally happy to have a son or daughter.
Multiple births.
Obviously we want at least one child but would also love twins!
The possibilities of who we will meet through this process are so exciting to me. We could be chosen by almost anybody and our lives and their lives will never be the same. I am buzzing with anticipation. Literally, I think my teeth might be vibrating! Haha!
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