In honor of our classes, here is a picture of Emory from her first day of "school!" Really just mother's day out that she started back in July, but she calls it school! Sorry it has been forever since my last post! Lots of busyness around here and not really any exciting adoption news.
Part of the adoption process is mandatory adoption education classes. We have been taking these for a few hours the past 3 Monday nights. We were happy to go to these because it felt like one step closer to that precious baby! Each night we went in pumped and thrilled to learn, but came out feeling like someone had just burst our balloon.
One of the reasons these classes are mandatory is because they want you to know what you are getting into. Their job is to prepare you for the worst. Usually adoption is painted in a good light, and it gives people warm fuzzies. I am so thankful that over the years the concept of adoption has transitioned into a very positive thing in our culture, but the truth is it is difficult for all involved and there is a tremendous amount of loss.
The biggest topics we covered were adoption expectations, attachment & bonding, race & culture, and losses & gains. They gave us so many resources and information to equip ourselves and be prepared.
One of the best things to come from these classes was being around other adoptive families. These classes were specifically for international adoption, and there were various countries represented. It was so nice to be around other couples that are in the same boat! Each country program is different, but they also have a lot of similarities. We made connections with other people in our area to keep in contact with as we all go through the process!
Jonathon and I still haven't quite decided how much of our adotion story and details we will make public knowledge through this blog, but one thing is for certain-we will always be honest. And honestly speaking, we are scared and uncertain about how everything will go when we meet our child and bring them home. BUT what we are certain of is that we are called to this, and no matter how difficult the days ahead may be, we feel blessed that this is part of our story. We have complete confidence in our Heavenly Father that He will be with us every step of the way!
