Two Wrongs...And A Right

Recently I received an email from the director of the agency that we initially chose to proceed with our adoption...(yes,the one that we broke up with).  It seems that after six months of silence she was finally getting back to us to answer any questions or concerns that we had about their agency and the adoption process.  Tim and I both thought..."Hmm...how kind of them to express an interest in us."  (No, not really).  Given how emotional I was, I thought it best that Tim draft a response that was more matter-of-fact and to the point.  The day in which the reply was sent, I received a phone call from her almost immediately.

It was a pleasant phone call in which we discussed their lack-of-communication and personal relationship missteps and she assured me that the matter would be addressed for future applicants (hopefully).  Our bond was mended with an apology and the door was left open should we want to inquire about adoptions with their agency in the future.

The last bit of bad news has to do with me, personally.  As we are still undergoing the home study process, information is being sent out and received on a fairly regular basis.  I wasn't expecting to receive a letter from my doctor's office about my cholesterol though.  I've known that it has been in the "high" range ever since I was in my 20's (Hint:  I'm not in my 20's anymore).  And as my weight has fluctuated, so have my cholesterol numbers.  Needless to say, they aren't pretty.  But then again, neither is my relationship with food.  I've been meaning to make some serious changes regarding my (fatty and sugary) diet and (lack of) exercise and I guess that this news has caused me to take more action than I have in the last decade and here is where I need your prayers.  I have always had a wonderful relationship with food.  A mutual love for one another you might say.  But if food could possibly get in the way of adopting a child* well, then, I think that the relationship needs to come to an end.  Not entirely, of course...but more of a healthy change.  Me eating only the good healthy stuff...and the fatty and sugary "yummy" stuff taking an extend vacation.  Like...forever.

*Our third appointment with Bethany is on Wednesday which should hopefully bring us all some piece of mind.

Openness

Tim and I recently finished our first online adoption course entitled Open Adoption 101.  It was a very well organized course which goes more in-depth about the very sensitive issue of openness in domestic adoption.

"Openness gives children the gifts of possibilities, for now and for the future.  It is not a cure-all, but it creates the possibility for a stronger sense of purpose in identity."  

The idea of openness is a child-centered focus involving honest communication, empathy, relationships, boundaries, and flexibility.

In addition, shortly after the course, I was able to meet with Colleen, a new adoptive mom who recently had a successful experience in adopting her daughter through Bethany Christian Services.  Meeting Colleen was like a breath of fresh air...we both had similar experiences in the journey of choosing an agency, and similar views on the adoption journey itself.  In meeting my new friend, I felt a renewed spirit that Tim and I are on the right course for us and I look forward to learning and growing more as a family.