...Another Person's Treasure

After work today, I stopped by one of my closest friend's house to peruse some toddler items that her daughters had outgrown. In an odd way, I felt like I was sifting through treasures that I wasn't quite sure I had any business with. Let me explain.


Though people would use the phrase "paperwork pregnant" to describe the waiting stage we're in with the adoption process, sometimes I feel as if impending parenthood hasn't truly sunk in yet. Derek and I have put more work into preparing for parenthood than many people we know (if only every parent-to-be had a social worker come to their house and judge it top to bottom, or took a 560+ question personality test). We KNOW, thanks to the glorious God who guides us, that Russian adoption is the path we are meant to take at this time. We KNOW we're meant to be parents. We KNOW our children are waiting for us. However, I haven't let myself settle in with the idea that I'm going to be a mother in several months. It feels so very real, yet still so uncertain.


And perhaps that's because there are still many uncertainties. We still have an uphill journey ahead of us, complete with Russian judges, immigration documents, additional medical exams, travel expenses and other legalities. So much can happen.


Nevertheless, I have faith in God. I have faith in His plan for our lives. I have faith that He is faithful. So, while it may not have completely "sunk in" yet, I'm still excited to be collecting Fisher Price toys, shopping cart covers, creepy stuffed caterpillars, musical instruments and the like. It's all in preparation for what's to come, whether I fully comprehend that or not.


On a final note, I am so VERY thankful to our friends who are loaning us these items! I'm sure it will end up saving us a small fortune. We are beyond blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives who truly care about us and are almost as anxious as we are to bring our kiddos home! I love you!

I like to read mechanic magazines.

False.

I have a good appetite.
True!

My hands and feet are usually warm enough.
Umm... sure. Yeah. True.

It would be better if almost all laws were thrown away.

Odd... False.

Evil spirit pocess me at times.
Eek! False.

These are just five statements included in a 560+ true/false statement psychological test which Derek and I had to take for our adoption. No, I'm not kidding.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was interesting, to say the least. The MMPI is one of the most frequently used psychological exams gauging mental illness. I am happy to report that both Derek and I passed (not sure about the flying colors part. LOL!). A certified psychologist found us sane enough to parent children. If only every parent-to-be had to pass this test, huh?

We each drove about about an hour south in early March to take the MMPI. It was worth the long drive, since the psychologist we used--recommended to us by my brother-in-law (sheriff's detective) who has worked with him on several cases--charged us at least $500 less than what our placement agency told us to expect. What a kind and professional man! 

A favorable MMPI letter of results is required by our placement agency and most likely the Russian court before we can adopt our children. It will be included in our dossier, a LARGE collection of documents required by Russia. As bizarre as some of the MMPI statements were, we're glad to do what it takes to take us even one step closer to our kiddos!

And yes, I've been using plurals, haven't I? It's hardly a secret anymore that Derek and I are planning to adopt biological siblings. Of course, nothing is official and so much can happen between now and then, but God truly placed on our heart that there are siblings out there, now, at this very moment, waiting for us to bring them home.

I wish I could share more...

HELLO? hello...? (hello........?)

 Yes, that's an echo. And yes, I've been MIA (missing in... adoption?). I could spew out all of the lame valid excuses I have, but after months of such a hiatus, I hate to bore you now. Let's just say Satan knows Derek and I are up to something good.

So, let's get on with it shall we?

We have made SO MUCH progress! Our interview with our placement agency went well, despite learning of such despicable news less than 30 minutes after our arrival. Meeting with the staff really made us even more confident with our decision to use them. I can't imagine being in better hands. While media has reported otherwise, adoption in Russia has yet to cease—at least not in the regions we may adopt from (Moscow and St. Petersburg). Our agency continues to help families receive referrals and court dates, so we're still moving full steam ahead!

I've created a new section of my blog: Milestones (see panel at right). It contains the important... well... milestones... ;-) in our journey thus far. While there is much that has been done and much that has been received that is not listed, these dates give you an idea of what we've been up to concerning the adoption.

Now that I'm getting back into the swing of things with my blog once again, I plan to recap some of the high- (and LOW!) lights of the hoops we've had to jump. Stay tuned... And, seriously, if I slack on blogging again, someone please get on my case! ;-)

CHECKLIST:
• Psychologist administered MMPI
• Compiled dossier documents (including, but not limited to):
      Notarized home study letters, licenses, etc.
      Personality/psycho-analysis results
      Financial statements
      Letters of employement
      Property ownership letter
                                     Certified marriage certificates
                                     Passport & family photos
                                     Medical letters
• Fingerprinted/biometrics
• Received I-171H