We have decided that it is time to add a new chapter to our blog.
Chapter I-Nolan
Chapter II-Cancer
Chapter III-Adoption
We have decided that it’s time to move on from the past and return to expanding our family. We have explored many options and decided on international adoption from Poland. Knowing that my health could be an issue, we contacted an agency in March and were upfront with them. They thought that it would be best to sent a health statement to Poland to find out before we spent any money. Well, on Monday we found out that the Polish adoption counsel (a government agency) reviewed my statement and it was acceptible. So, today, we sent in our application to start the legal process.
I am sure that you may have some questions and I’ll try and answer some of the basics:
Why Poland? We looked at every conuntry that is open to foreign adoption by Americans. Some programs we were immediately excluded due to my health history, other programs were not reliable or corupt. The Polish program seems very well organized and stable plus, with my Polish heritage, it just seemed like a good fit.
What Agency are you using? We are using St. Mary International Adoption. They are about the only option.
How long will it take? Approximately 18 months give or take.
Boy or Girl? I really didn’t care but Steve would prefer a girl. Then I saw a picture of a little Polish girl in her bobuska and I was onboard.
What’s the process? Initally, we have a lot of paperwork to fill out. We will also need to have a home study (a social worker will meet with us and see where we live), we also need background checks and health assessments. Then we need to put together a dossier of all these documents have them translated and authenticated. Approx. 6 months. Then all that is sent to Poland and they a approve it through the same board that approved my health statement. That could take 4-8 months. From there were are matched with a child, another 1-10 months. We do not have to accept the child were are matched with but if we do not, the waiting starts again. Once we accept a child then we have to travel to Poland for 4-6 weeks to meet the child and finalize. So, again, this is going to take awhile.
Lastly, the question you won’t ask but really want to know, how much is this going to cost? 25-29 K plus travel and travel related expenses. It’s a lot but there are some grant programs and tax credits avaliable. We welcome any suggestions.
So that’s the run down.
So so so so exciting! It’s kind of like announcing you’re preggers. I’m so happy for you guys!
My friend and co-worker, Heather, and her husband have been in the process of adoption from Ethiopia for the past year. I enjoy following her blog and you might too: http://loveiswaitingadoptionstory.blogspot.com/
Congrats to you guys and I can’t wait to meet my new little niece! (Well, I’ll do my best to wait. Patience is not a virtue of mine.)
Simply AMAZING news Mandy, so very happy that your application was finally accepted! I know it’s been a long, very hard road and the thought of expanding your family is so exciting. Anything we can help with, let us know!
Can’t wait to see Nolan’s new sister!
This should be exciting, interesting and inspirational for you all. I will pray that the Lord guides you through this time. Love, Grandad Steve
Can’t wait to be Nana and Grandpa to another little one. You and Steve are great parents and have a lot of love to give and Nolan will make a great big brother. I can’t wait to hear Kocham Cię Babciu!!
Good luck! Some friends of our recently adopted a child, and have been very happy!
Yeah! So happy for you. Best of luck. You will be in our prayers.
I just got goose bumps!! So excited you got accepted to begin the process.