A turn in the road

It has been almost one year since Larry and I decided to enter the realm of adopting a child. When we made the decision to adopt, we both went into it with the biggest, rosiest rose colored glasses slapped on our face. We were sure that we would breeze through all the steps and we would have welcomed our child from Vietnam home quicker than anyone imagined. And then reality stepped in. I won't rehash the details, you can read about them in the archives if you need to. But it involved four sets of fingerprints, multiple repeat background checks and questions surrounding a biological daughter that neither of us has.

And while the journey thus far has been frustrating and exhausting, it has also been educational, enlightening and eye-opening. There have been days when Larry and I have been so excited that we were finally making progress and others when we've collapsed from the emotional strain. We've learned tons about ourselves and each other. I knew Larry was an incredibly patient man, but nothing like the patience he has had with this journey and with me, particularly in the last few weeks. Someone probably needs to give him a medal!

In November, when some rumblings concern the status of adoption in Vietnam began, we decided to continue cautiously down the path we were already on. However, we began to discuss other possibilities should the need to pursue them ever arise. And when the Department of State released an announcement regarding adoption in Vietnam, it became apparent to us that we may need to reevaluate our options.

The last weekend in January, we were both on pins and needles. Our agency, which we have great faith in, sent out an email and told us they would be in touch. Larry spoke with our Program Coordinator at length, we spoke to each other at length, and we leaned on family and friends for support. At last, we knew what we were going to do.

So, at this point, the road we started on ten months ago has taken a sharp turn. We've decided to pursue a domestic adoption and are as excited about this decision as we were when we took a leap of faith into adoption last year. This is not to say that we've given up on adoption in Vietnam. We both feel strongly about what is going on in the world of Vietnam adoptions at this time and are hopeful that in the end what is best for the children of Vietnam will prevail. We are also hopeful to one day bring home a child from Vietnam.

There are many things to be done over the course of the next days and weeks. We know that this too will be an emotional roller coaster, but I do love a good roller coaster.