...the unwanted...

It has finally happened!

While at work on January 18, 2013, Patrick started asking me about adoption again.  We started out discussing international adoption, and theorizing what country we would choose.  The next that I knew, he was asking about adoption of an older child through the foster system.  In that moment, a spark in my heart was ignited...and I just *knew* this would be how our family would grow.

We began reading many books, and researching online (including www.adoptuskids.org).

On February 13, 2013, we attended our initial foster adoption orientation meeting for the State of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, WI.  So we begun our application process.

On June 4, 2013, the initial home visit by Liz Lunderman was completed by the State of Wisconsin.  We had been told that this visit would be an opportunity to ask clarifying questions and discuss our family preferences.  This visit was a very frustrating one; but ultimately, we were informed that her report would be forwarded to Lutheran Social Services, and they we should expect a call from a social worker that would be assigned to us to guide us throughout this process.  Hope to get more information down the road.

Tonight, we had a chance to talk with Kevin & Nancy Newell regarding their experiences of adoption of older children and sibling groups.  It was very encouraging.

So, now, we are waiting yet again...this time for the next contact from the LSS social worker; then on to the home study, we think...