Country & Agencies Chosen

After months of researching countries and agencies, we've finally decided to go with WACAP's waiting children program for a Thai boy (www.wacap.org). We've sent in the pre-application for the Family Finders program today and intend to start our home study with Special Children, Inc. (www.specialchildreninc.com) in Wisconsin next month.

Which Country?

I had a good conversation with a social worker from Bethany's headquarters in Michigan today. She told me the real statistics and the reality of adopting from the countries we were thinking of through their agency. Afterwards, I am seriously thinking we should consider another country that would not have such a long wait. In which case, we'd be looking into other agencies. Perhaps this is another sign that we should go with our gut and instinct and use Deb at Special Children to guide us.

Wendy Will's Friend Deb

I just had a great phone conversation with Wendy Will's friend Deb, who happens to be a social worker for Special Children, Inc. out of Elm Grove, WI. She's staying at The Shallows this week. Ironically, I've been emailing with her boss for the last week and getting great advice from the emails. Now that I've connected with Deb so well and gotten wonderful insights from her and her boss, I'm almost thinking we should use them as our home study agency regardless of which international agency or country we choose. This is contrary to my thought process about a month ago when I was sure that going with an all-in-one (home study and international programs) agency would be the best. But, it's very comforting and assuring to find people that are excited and energetic about helping with the process.

Waiting Children

I've requested info on specific waiting children from WACAP's listings. According to Beth at WACAP, seven of the ten I'm interested in are from Thailand. Perhaps that's a sign. So now I await the DVD with the first four boys medical history, photos and videos. I cannot wait!