Jodi Speaks Her Mind

Adoption Process - Week 9 10/9/2004

This week we mainly did one important thing: had our second and final home visit. Our case worker (if that is the right term) is really nice. I have mentioned on here a couple of times that we experienced some “negativity” from the agency, but it was made very clear at our meeting yesterday that it was not originating from her. She has been really supportive and encouraging to us, which is largely why the negative tone seemed so out of character. In any case, our visit went very smoothly, and Tina has been great about tracking all the paperwork so our homestudy can be submitted to the judge hopefully on Thursday of this coming week!

For our homestudy to be final, we are only waiting on two things: first, acknowledgement that the state received our criminal clearances (we know they did, but for some reason she was not notified yet about it) and second, one of our reference letters hasn’t been sent in yet. Hopefully both of these can be resolved early next week so our Homestudy can be submitted on time. WooHoo! It’s very exciting to be nearing the conclusion of one of the first of several large hurdles in the adoption process.

I would like to take a moment to mention here the agency we are working with for the Ukraine side of our adoption. I haven’t mentioned them much, but we communicate with Cheri of ADS, International at least 2-3 times per week. She has been the most amazing support during this process and has demonstrated the utmost professionalism. Her website will be up shortly, and I’ll be sure to give it a mention here so others can give consideration to her as they seek direction with regard to adopting from Ukraine. The greatest gift Cheri has given us is that she never tires of answering my endless barrage of questions (and I do mean endless!) Kudos and lots of future business to you Cheri!