Adoption Interview

For posterity (and those curious), I thought I'd share how our adoption interview went today.

We met with Erin and Tracy from Lutheran Family Services today for our interview, which lasted about 30-40 minutes.  It was a nice, friendly, easy-going conversation between the four of us.  I usually get nervous in interviews, but I guess since we've been through the adoption process once already, we kind of knew what to expect and aside from initial nerves, we were ourselves ... meaning, I talked a lot and DH talked a little.  :-D

They asked general questions about adoption and parenting ... "Would you parent an adopted child differently than a biological child?" ... "Why are you starting the adoption process?" ... "Do you like risk?" ... "How do you cope with change?" ... "What does having an open adoption mean to you?" ... "How open to racial diversity are you?" ... "How open to special needs situations are you?" ... "How does your family (parents/siblings/grandparents) feel about adoption?" ... "Do you have any felonies/records you'd like us to know about" ... etc.

Then they asked a question about, "How have you dealt with grief and loss in your life?"  In clarifying, we had to make a statement sharing how we have dealt with grief and loss in any manner, so I shared with them our infertility story and how my friends online and in the online FB Catholic Infertility/Adoption groups are so supportive ... and then I cried ...  I was so not meaning to cry.  But I shared how without infertility and adoption, I would not be Luke's mom and how I was *so* grateful to be his mom.  DH got "moist eyes".  And then I apologized for crying.  UGH - I hate to cry in front of strangers.

After I cried, kept thinking in my head that I blew it and that they wouldn't want to give the opportunity to someone who hasn't fully grieved her infertility, but DH says I am overthinking it all and that I gave a good, heartfelt answer.  He thinks we "nailed it" and had a good interview.  I, however, am always the pessimist (aka "realist") and think that there has got to be someone better and more qualified / more perfect than us for them to select.

As they got done with their questions, they asked if we had any questions, so I asked them how many spots they were interviewing for.  They have 6 spots open (19 other couples are already waiting to be matched; they complete 6 - 9 adoptions per year).  We are one of 16 couples they are interviewing this week and then they will meet with Renee in the Omaha office to make their final selections.  They are going to call us back next week to let us know if we are or aren't selected into their program (they plan to call us either way).  If we are selected, there are 4 days of training + the home study to be done in the next few months.  They are on the ball ~ it sounds like the process would move quicker than Luke's adoption paperwork process.

At this point, DH and I have done all we can do.  We prayed together in the car before the interview that God's will be done.  I've prayed in adoration and during daily prayer.  Friends and family have prayed for us.  He has a plan for us and the outcome of the decision from this agency will determine that.  We will be patient and trust in His plans for us and growing our family.

~ Thank you for praying for us and our interview today  ~