God's Perfect Time

It's been a couple of weeks since we got word that we were selected to adopt a set of three siblings (16 days actually, but who's counting?). We are waiting to receive the kids' files to read through. These files contain everything that CPS knows about these kids. Everything. I can tell you right now that I don't think you can ever be prepared to read those files. I've been told they will include graphic details of any abuse the kids have endured and shared with foster parents, therapists, or any of their CPS workers. Yeah, it is not going to be fun, but it is information we need to know if we are going to be their parents and help them get through the lingering affects of abuse and rejection. We also need to be fully aware (as much as we can) of what we are getting ourselves into and make an informed decision as to if we think these kids will be a good fit for our family. So I'm in a hurry and not in a hurry all at the same time. Because I know the files are going to be heart-wrenching and I'll cry my way through them. And it is going to be hard. Very hard. And because I know that God's timing is PERFECT. I am going to be able to work limited hours for 3 weeks or so after we get the kids (assuming that is our choice). And God knows exactly what will work best. For all of us. Just for all of you who are interested in what the process is from now until adoption, here's a summary based on my understanding. -We get the files to review. If we feel like we want to go forward we will schedule a presentation staffing. -Presentation Staffing: A meeting with us, Mala (our adoption coordinator), and the kids CPS worker and foster parents over the phone (since the kids are from the Houston region). We get to ask any questions we have and hear first hand the information they have on the kids and basically anything we want to know. We have 24 hours to decide if we want to move forward. -Pre-placement Visits: This will be the first time we actually get to meet the kids and them meet us. My understanding is that the kids will get to look through our adoption photo-book before we meet so they can learn more about us. There will be three visits with us and the kids before they move in with us. The visits get progressively longer. -Placement: The kids move in with us and we begin the new normal. Every precaution is made to make the transition as smooth as possible. This is why there is so many information exchanges before the kids meet us. There is a 6 month time period before the adoption is final. -Adoption: We will go to court, usually in the county the kids are from, and the adoption will be finalized by a judge. Any name changes will be made at the same time. The kids' birth certificates are actually changed to show that we are their parents and their names changed to Fowler. Isn't that cool? They told us at the first meeting (over a year ago) that once you adopt, the kids are more yours than biological children are in many ways. They call the day the adoption is finalized "Gotcha Day." We are thinking we will get the kids mid to late September, but that could change. So excited to love on our kids!! Christmas this year is going to be so crazy, in the best way possible!