I would call this step...research, Research, RESEARCH!!
I have spent many of my days off searching adoption agency and resource websites. A challenge that we have encountered is satisfying qualifications for adopting parents. Many countries require adopting parents to be 25 or older and also have marriage requirements of 3 years or longer. We don't meet either of those at this point! So, already our options are narrowed.
There are other factors such as age, gender, and region of the world that can narrow down options as well. With all the unknowns and choices, just getting started in the thinking process can be overwhelming. Probably the most important thing in overcoming this, as we have learned through investigations and personal testimony, is choosing an adoption agency that fits your personality. They will be the guides through the process, everything from paperwork to in country details. A great resource for anyone starting the adoption process is Loving Shepherd Ministries. They have been able to give us SO much information about agency reputations and complaints/problems they have had. They also have lots of information about specific country adoption programs. We even have a list of questions to ask potential adoption agencies about their programs.
Another name I would give this step in the process is "Waiting time #1". There will be several more periods in this process that require patience, and this initial "getting started" phase is probably a blessing that will prepare us for those.
We are waiting for God to reveal what country our child is in, and what agency He will use to direct us to them. We do have a phone consultation set for April 12th with an agency in Indiana. Please pray for guidance and discernment in the upcoming weeks and months.
For now, we are thinking our family could end up looking something like this.
