In the beginning of our journey, someone very special took a look at our records, personal info and family history; then talked to both of us alone - seperately and in-depth. At the end of this "adoption study" we were told that they considered us to be "Guides". They were certain that we were chosen for this very special journey, not only for the privilege and honor of being Emma Grace's parents, but for someone else, someone who would be watching us, who is suppose to follow in our foot steps and adopt themselves and needed us to follow.
First off, I am not sure who you are, but I'd like to "thank you" for needing a guide. I appreciate the opportunity to be your personal guinea pig, as Emma Grace is our dream come true and we have waited a long time to meet her and hold her in our arms. Secondly, don't be afraid. There are a lot of people to talk to, including us, and a lot of organizations here for you to answer your questions and concerns.
I want you to know that you don't have to be financially privileged to adopt. YOU can do this. It's happening every day. From fundraisers and grants to loans and equity lines - you can do this. Debt-free.........hhmmm probably not. And, on a personal note, if you figure out how to do this debt-free "call me"..........quickly . But anyways - you CAN do this, and you are going to do this, so listen up - I'm in the mood. The adoption fairy doesn't just show up at your front door, you have to make that first phone call. My first phone call cost me $200. You got $200 - make it! And don't cry over it - there'll be more payments...oh yah...., so start thinking now. An equity line of credit can be your friend. Use it pay it use it pay it use it pay it. etc. There's going to be soooo much paperwork. The paperwork becomes like a part time job - and that's not an exageration - it's crazy. Do it TOGETHER. Share the experience. It is too much for just one person to handle properly. If there are 2 adopting adults involved, sit down and split the leg work. And these papers are REEEAALLL important. So get your OCD under control. Our dossier specialist was was serious about not having any highlighter or extra marks or anything other than......it's hard to explain....but its very important....it becomes your life...they are the papers of your life.....but you'll understand soon enough. And get ready to let your guard down and let it all hang out because many people are going to get up in your grill and business and you're going to smile the whole time....if you know whats good for you! After that first phone call and inital payments - hit the ground running. The faster the process the cheaper it is. Documents "time-out" - RUN!!!!!!! That's one of the differences in cost and wait time. The other is simple - take a look at yourself. HMMMMmmmm.....you're human..cool...you have flaws.....be proud of them.....what makes us different makes us special and often becomes our blessings. Big ups to Mr. G!! And realize that you can cut your wait time down by 5 years understanding that simple fact. Special needs means a lot more than what you are use to knowing as someone in the USA. It's a harsh label in the adoption world and it makes one un-adoptable. Guess what - your butt would still be sitting there in an orphanage.... and you rule... right??? Often times, these things that label a child "special needs" are correctable or even already corrected or just simple things. Study it. That's a part of your process - a hard one - but study and be honest.
As far as age.....for China you have to be over 30 and under 55...........so you got time.... either way.
That's all I got for you right now, other than I would like to share this attached video with you. And also let you know that our agency is EAC - European Adoption Consulants. They offer nationwide service and are headquartered in Strongsville, Ohio. They have been great to us and held our hand every step of the way. Karla, Chris and Zhou in the China department rule our world. http://www.eaci.com/
157 million
157 million
157 million waiting children!
So what are YOU waiting for??
Be sure to stop by Julilees Jewels and pick up your Emma Grace's charm necklace. For $30 YOU can help bring our baby girl home and make that total of 157 million
- 1
. Thanks!!
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