Monday, October 24, 2011

A New Journey To Another Child!!



CHANGE defined means to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone.

CHANGE is hard. CHANGE is unknown. CHANGE is scary.

But we're getting ready to do just that.

Troy and I have been talking for some time (upwards of two years now) about adding another child to our family. We've considered fertility shots (again), but decided (again) that it wasn't worth it when there are children already out there waiting.

We've wanted to go back to Russia for some time, but it's no secret that international adoption is expensive and we haven't been able to work out the finances without taking out significant loans, something we do not want to do.

We've talked about domestic infant adoption. Again, something we considered before but decided we were open to parenting an older child a child more than a year old.

We talked about foster to adopt. We're terrified of that. The thought of losing a child after caring for him/her for any length of time, whether it be a month or a year is heartbreaking.

We've talked and talked and talked. And talked some more.

Then we went to church. We haven't gone to church in a long time. We've made excuses, we've been busy, we've avoided the commitment of the time it takes out of our weekend. We were both guilty. I'd started asking Troy about church again, but we just couldn't seem to get ourselves together.

Troy went to the rifle range for the day and sat down next to a gentleman who was also sighting in some rifles (here comes hunting season!) They got to talking and guess what? That particular gentleman is the pastor of a church. Not just any church, but a church less than 10 minutes from our house. Here they sit at a rifle range almost an hour away and he preaches at a church almost in our neighborhood.

So we went and we listened and we learned. We loved the church. The people were friendly and a little girl took Daniel by the hand and led him to children's church for me. The pastor remembered Troy by name and was glad to see us. The message was inspiring. He mentioned that life wasn't always fair, but that the rewards in heaven would be. He mentioned that God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we want him to. But God does listen and He does not forsake us.

I needed to hear that. I've been wallowing a bit in my sorrow of not beginning another international adoption.

Then Troy and I realized something. Here we sit with the means to care for another child, the heart to do it, an open home, and we're doing nothing about it.

We realized it was time for a CHANGE. A change not only in our thoughts, but our hearts. Could we, should we? Is this the way God wants us to go?

We contacted our local Department of Social Services a few weeks ago. We've been emailing with the family recruiter and we're getting ready to embark on a pretty amazing and a bit scary (for us) journey.

We're going to get licensed to foster with the intention to adopt through Virginia's foster care system.

Virginia does believe in reunification of the child with their birth parents or a member of the family, so Troy and I have to open our hearts to supporting the reunification, but also loving and forming what may become permanent attachments to the child in our care.

I'm scared. I'm excited. I'm hopeful.

I read that many of children do eventually become available for adoption, but it still scares me that we will get a child that won't. However, since we are willing and prepared to adopt, they will take that into consideration when choosing a child to place with us.

Surprisingly things can happen very quickly. We could be placed with a child within about 6-8 weeks aftercompleting all the requirements. Because we will be specifying a child younger than Daniel, it may take a bit longer.

Troy has started a new job which entails a training session that would make the timeline more like in the New Year for a placement. We're very excited about this change also, because it means he is home much more than he is now, and is part of what made our decision to foster-to-adopt that much more clear.

This weekend we will be working around the house to add a few safety features, ones we haven't had to worry about since Daniel is a bit older. We'll also be discussing changing our furniture and our guest bedroom around a bit to accommodate another child.

I hope you'll follow along, and pray for us and for the children we come in contact with, as we get ready to head on a new Journey right here in Virginia to find our second child, and love any child that may cross through our doorway, even if only for a little while.

14 comments:

Jenny and Randy said...

Oh Rachel, I am so happy for your family! This post just warms my heart -- I am so excited for you! ...Both because of your foster adoption decision and because of the peace in your hearts you have about this decision, found through the new church. And of course, you will be in our prayers. Good friends of ours recently completed a foster adoption (i.e. it has been finalized in court), and it has been such an amazing journey to witness.

Mama Fish said...

Rachel- Praying for you from here! I love how God orchestrated Troy meeting that pastor... I just LOVE it! I will be following along closely, and would love to talk on the phone with you sometime about all of it! I love where your hearts are most of all! ~Jackie

Susan said...

So thrilled for all three of you!! I'll keep my fingers crossed that the perfect child will make their way to your family.

Tracey and Chuck said...

Rachael, Troy and Daniel.....we are so very excited for your family and cannot wait to follow along on your next journey!!!!

Craig and Phyllis said...

Wow! Surprising news. : ) So happy to hear that. Friends at our church just finished adoption classes through the foster care system, I think. And so cool about Troy meeting the pastor. Craig and I call those God appointments!

junglemama said...

How exciting! Good for you! So glad that you stepped out of the boat again!

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

I love how God just puts people in the right place at the right time according to HIS plans. I am so excited for you guys and just love, love, love how all of this is coming together. I will of course be praying for you guys. Hugs to all of you!!! Cannot wait to hear more.

Kristine

Tamara said...

Congratulations on starting this new journey! :) I can't wait to see how God works all this out! :)

Amy said...

What wonderful news! I can't wait to follow you in the new journey you are about to go on.

Dede said...

Awesome news! I look forward to following your journey once again. ;-)

Janine said...

Rachel,

What a very exciting path you are on! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear all about your newest journey to your next child.

www.adventureswithaidan.org said...

Congratulations!!! Big big decision but one I know you have not taken lightly. God bless and good luck!

Becky and Keith said...

Such an awesomely (is that a word??) well written post. I can feel how excited you all are and am beyond excited for you!!

Chris said...

Inspiring! It is truly amazing how God works in our lives when we least expect it. His gentle push at the perfect time is incredible.

We will be praying for the perfect situation for you!