I have wanted to adopt a child as long as I can remember. It was one of those dreams that seemed so far off, I never really grasped it’s possibility. Thanks to my huge disappointment of a uterus, the dream is coming into view. Today we went to our first real adoption event, the pre-adopt class.

The seven hour, rather intimidating, all day class was actually super fun and informative. We met four other couples also beginning their journey and three individuals who have already gone through the process. Listening to the stories of the people who have long since brought their children home, I can start to imagine our homecoming. While we still have mountains of paper work, home visits, and much waiting to look forward to, today will forever signify the beginning. I know the finish line is out there, however far away it may be.

We’ve been in contact with the agency for about two months now, including several phone calls, emails and one orientation. But this class was the first actually requirement for the adoption process. One down, 2354 to go 🙂 However difficult the process may become, it feels so good just to be in control. After three years of fertility failure, I actually have a say in this outcome.

After lots of research and many conversations with the program coordinator, it seems like Korea is the best fit for our family right now. I was initially super excited about adopting through Haiti but as luck would have it they are currently transitioning to a new program and many aspects of the process are in limbo, making the wait times long and unpredictable. Since my Dad, brother and I used to speak French I felt travel and the transition for the child would be easier.  It’s not going to work out right now, but maybe for our next child 🙂

The Korea program has many aspects that we’re drawn to and has quickly become my new happy thought (everyone needs a happy thought).  They have many strict guidelines that we some how meet. They are also great about providing a ton of information about the birth family and even encourage contact. That’s something we feel is super important and hope that it works out. We’d like to be able to answer any and all questions about our child’s past as honestly and as accurately as possible and hopefully be able to reunite them later in life. Currently the program is also on the faster side of international adoption. We could have a referral as soon as 0 to 6 months after the home study. I’m trying not to get too excited though, just in case it takes much longer.

Another aspect about Korea, and actually most international adoption programs, is that there are much more available boys than girls. I won’t get into all the reasons why but knowing this allows me to see clearer into the future. I’m sure it’s premature but we’re considering names and my goodness it is beyond fun. I would absolutely love to have another girl (would cut down on clothing costs) but chances are slim to none and we’re ecstatic either way.

There is so much more to discuss but there will be plenty of time for that later.  I’d love to hear about your stories, wherever you may be in the process or however different your process is (domestic vs. international). And please let me know if you have any questions, I’ll answer as best I can (not knowing much myself at this point:).

Thank you so much for reading!!