Where do we start

After deciding this was something we should seriously consider, we made a few phone calls, chatted with some friends and generally got really excited.  It turned out that right on the heels of this we were scheduled to take some food over to a friend’s house as they had recently had a baby.  They also had adopted their first child about a year earlier.  As it turns out, they were a good way into adopting another child as well.  That gave us a really good chance to chat about the ups and downs of the process and how it all works.   We also had a chance to attend an adoption support group that week, Hope.  This again was very encouraging.  There were people there at all different stages in the adoption process.  It was a good time to find out all the aspects and challenges involved.

Next we needed to find an agency to work with.  There are not very many in the US that do adoptions from the Philippines but there is one with an office in Fairfax just a short drive away.  We sent in a preliminary application, were approved for the program and signed up for the information session that was coming up.  Mom and Dad came over to take care of the boys and Jenn and I headed out.  On my way home from school that day, though, I received a call from the agency.  They informed us that ICAB, the Filipino adoption board, had put new restriction on all the agencies.  Because of this the agency was closing their program to new applicants starting immediately.  Because we didn't have a full application in we wouldn't be able to apply through the regular program.  That was a little deflating to hear.  Still, we did get some good information.

We continued the search for an agency the next day.  I made calls to other agencies all across the country.  Some returned my calls, some didn't and one even had their phone disconnected.  As the search went on our emotions continued on a roller coaster.  We have found two agencies that may be able to help us but not until April.  There is another that says they can help us now but there are some pretty big requirements for working with them.  Let the prayers continue.

Hello and how it all began

I don't entirely know where this is going to go but we will see.  My current intent is to keep a log of our journey through the adoption process.

I don't really know when it started, maybe even a year ago, my wife (Jenn) felt an inclination to adopt.  I chalked it up to being influenced by those around you.  At the time she had some friends who were in the process of adopting.  Well, her feeling never went away and the seed was planted.  As a side note at the time, she said that she would like to adopt two girls from the Philippines.

Fast forward a few months and I am preparing to go on a three week backpacking trip.  Jenn mentions, "This would be a good time for you to contemplate adopting."  I flippantly dismissed this idea with -- "I don't want to adopt."

At some point in here one of our boys, we have two J is 6 and G is 4, says, “I want two sisters.”  I laugh it off as a coincidence and keep on with life as normal.  Not too long after that the four of us were eating dinner.  Jenn and I were on opposite sides of the table and both boys were sitting next to each other on another side.  Opposite the boys were two empty chairs as we had recently had some friends over for dinner.  As we sat there eating, the other boy (not the one who made the previous comment) says, "See those two seats?  They are for our two sisters."  I shoot Jenn a look and she just starts laughing and claiming innocence.  At this point I realize God might be trying to tell me something and maybe I should consider this idea.