What To Do While Waiting
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
"I am waiting for a referral from another country. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Is there anything I can do during this time to ease my nervousness?"
Congratulation! You are embarking on a life changing experience. This is the time to continue to build your support system, get some coaching on what to expect when you come home with your child, and work on managing your stress.
I not only experienced the waiting period three times but I have also walked through it with many others. Following a few simple tips will make a big difference in your life and also help you to be at a good place when you do get your referral.
- Remember Grandma's wisdom: This too shall pass. In a few months you will have your child and the wait will only be a memory. This is important time for you to use wisely.
- Keep busy: There is a lot that you can do while you wait. Continue to work on making sure that you are ready to go when you get the referral. Focus on exercise, healthy eating habits and stress management techniques. You will be glad that you did.
- Trust in God: His timing is always right. Use this time to spend in prayer, listening to Him and developing your spiritual disciplines.
- Talk with an adoption coach who can lead you through this stage and the transition of bringing your child home and becoming family.
- Keep a journal. Many adoptive parents have found it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings prior to the adoption of their child as a gift that they will one day pass on.
This is an important time in your life. Use it wisely. You will be glad that you did.
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Taking time
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
On Thursday my girls and I are flying to Boston where we will be picked up and driven to Maine. There we will spend a week at the beach. I am looking forward to the time away from computers, phones and many of our modern conveniences. Life will for a few days become simple. We will walk wherever we need to go. We will play and laugh and make precious memories together.
Our world is so busy and fast paced. It seems that everything pulls the family away from each other. So this is one way that we are sure that we make time for each other. In the midst of a changing world our vacation place does not change. It is simple. It might not be for everyone but we love it.
Be sure that you too take time with your children to build precious memories. They grow up so quickly. It takes my breath away how fast the time goes. I long to hold onto these days and smell their fragrance.
Before we return we will walk to our favorite gift store and make one last purchase. It will be a money jar. After selecting the nicest one we will carefully pack it to bring home. It won't be long before we are putting our nickels and dimes in the money jar for summer 2009. It's a family tradition which I'll always cherish.
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Where do I begin?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
How do I begin? Where do I start? A friend of mine recently asked me these questions. I remember many years ago when I was just beginning to consider adoption. I too did not even know where to begin to explore the whole process of adoption. I was scared and easily overwhelmed. But the words I received back then are still appropriate today. ‘Check it out!'
There are many different ways that you can begin to check out what adoption is and is not. One is by looking into adoption agencies both in your area and elsewhere. Begin to get information. Talk to parents who have adopted and listen to their stories. Go to your local library and look for books on adoption. Check out your church library. The internet is a goldmine of information about adoption. Begin researching. Consider joining and adoption group online and follow the discussions.
Books continue to be a rich resource of information. I highly recommend Successful Adoption by Natalie Gillespie. It is an excellent resource for those considering adoption.Two books that I also highly recommend are The Adoption Decision and The Adoption Network by Laura Christianson. The more you read the better you will understand the process and also the joys of adoption.
It is normal to have fears and apprehensions. It is normal to have many questions. There are many resources available and people with whom to share your concerns. Don't hesitate to contact me. And don't let fears keep you from experiencing the greatest joy of adopting a child. With God all things are still possible!
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