Decisions, Decisions....

Gigs and I have decided to proceed with E-Country, we think. Additionally, we're in the process of praying about a decision to perhaps seek same-sex siblings. We're reluctant to specify and then have that delay a referral, however for so many other reasons, it seems like a good idea. We could specify just one and then later reapply, however there are mandatory waiting periods between and then Gigs's age would be come more of a factor. Also, we were thinking that it would be a good opportunity to try to accomodate siblings since we anticipate they would be harder to place.

The agency we've been working with called today and indicated, based on the application we submitted on Friday, that we were tentatively approved. They did not discourage the idea of siblings, however did say that we'd have to make that decision at the time we sign our agreement. It will, of course, affect our fees and that needs to be covered in the agreement.

The agency also announced that they've been approved to sponsor an orphanage in the capital city and that once we would accept a referral, the child(ren) would be moved to that orphanage where the care is expected to be better and updates more dependable. This will also make our in-country travel less potentially dangerous and uncomfortable. I think Gigs and I were kinda' looking forward to that part, but then again, as parents, I suppose adventure should be set aside. I do hope that it does not circumvent any opportunity that may have existed to meet any extended family, something we know, in the long run, would likely mean so much to a child.

Say a prayer for God's will in the decisions we must make. Pray also for all of the children in orphanages all over the world, that they would be timely matched to their forever families and have the opportunity to grow up loved and cared for. Pray also for all of the caregivers and decisionmakers affecting the process all over the world. Pray for stabilization in Eastern Europe and that goings on there do not disrupt adoptions already in process.