The process.

We have completed pre-training classes! This is truly an accomplishment, there are 8 four hour classes, that cover a lot of information. I would say that 75% of the information covered is scary, and heartbreaking while the other 25% is inspiring, I would also say 100% of it is need to remember, its a good thing Ben and I both were required to take the class or I would probably have to retake it! 

Now that classes are over we wait for our licensure to schedule a home study where they learn as much about us as possible, they will scurry through our house and make sure its a safe environment for children and try to learn our personalities so they can find a child that will fit in our home. This is probably the most important guest I have ever had in my home, not to mention the most nerve racking interview. 

After our home study our names and the information from our licensure go to a board of review, where they will ultimately decide if we are fit to be parents. Once approved we will be considered for placement. 

We really have no idea when we will have placement after that, we hope the spirit can be with or resource family consultant and the children's caseworker to help them place the right children in our home. 

We are looking at at least a month out before we even begin being considered for placement, it then could be another week to years before we get a call, it's truly unknown. Once we get called it seems like we have a couple hours to make the decision whether or not we can take the placement. That is why I am beginning to gather as many things as I can so that the transition can be as smooth as possible. 

People have asked if we are having a baby shower, we are not. The states goal is first and foremost reunification to parents, this however does not always happen, when it doesn't happen they look to kin (family) to adopt, if that is not an option the next choice would be the child's foster parents, We are praying that one day through this process we can have an adoption and a child that is legally our child, when that will happen we have no idea. We also do not have any clue the age or gender of the child coming into our home. We will let our family know when we get placement. 

We are very excited and also very nervous. The unknown drives me crazy, however I am being patient because I know that whatever is suppose to happen will happen. I just need to have faith in God that everything will happen the way they are suppose to happen.