I’d hoped to have more to update by now, but things don’t always go as planned, so I’ll update as much as I can.
Last Monday’s meeting was fantastic. {If you have no idea what I’m talking about, read this post first.} The children’s caseworker is very sweet. She is thorough and appears to be doing her best to give us a complete picture, no doom and gloom but not overly rosy, either. The foster parents are fabulous. They do not adopt, but they are good at what they do and they clearly care deeply about every child they foster.
We left the meeting with so much more information about the children than we had going in, and having the foster parents there to share from their experience with these kids for the past year and a half was invaluable.
Before we left, we had everything on the calendar, all the way up to the move-in date. Efficient, but a bit overwhelming. If all goes according to plan, the kids will move in by early March. {Paper bag to breathe in, anyone?}
Then we waited to receive word on whether or not the judge issued a TPR: Termination of Parental Rights. Once the order came in, we would need to give an answer to whether or not we would move pursue the foster adoption of these children.
We were suppose to hear back about the judge’s order last Thursday, but the weekend came, and still no word. And then Monday was a government holiday, so still no word.
In the meantime, we went ahead and gave our answer:
Yes, we’d like to pursue this adoption.
Yesterday we learned that the judge hasn’t signed the order because it got lost in the shuffle of court busyness. So still, we wait. The DFCS director is making sure the order gets put back in front of the judge. We were going to meet the kids this coming weekend, but that has been postponed, probably until next weekend. It’s all still up in the air. This is so frustrating because, even if you take us out of the picture entirely, this has left everyone in limbo.
Even once the judge signs the order, this still won’t be a done deal. The children will be considered “legal risk” because even after parental rights are terminated, a relative may contest the judge’s order anytime in the following 30 days. If that happens, it will be a few months before a decision is made about whether they will be legally free for adoption, or whether they will return to a family member. Everyone involved in the case believes the kids will be released for adoption, but anything is possible.
We’re praying for the Lord’s will to be done in all of this, and we deeply appreciate everyone who has been praying for us and leaving words of encouragement in the comments. Please keep it up!
Jamie, you and your family have my prayers! I think it is wonderful what y’all are trying to do and can only imagine how frustrating it is having to wait on so many people. Blessings to you!
I’m really happy to hear that you decided to say “yes”. I know that foster-adoption is a big leap of faith and really puts your heart on the line. We did it four times and were able to complete three of those adoptions so I know it from both sides but there have been a lot of people praying for your family and if this is where you think God is leading you, then He will be there to equip you regardless of the outcome. I will continue to pray.
Continuing to pray, Jamie.
March! Wow! Crossing fingers and toes for you that all falls into place as it should. These kids would be so lucky to have you guys as their forever family!
Ah Jamie, I am so sorry your on this roller coaster ride. I know it is hard. It’s exciting that you know where your heart is concerning these kids though. I will continue to pray for you, your family and the children. Thankfully God is sovereign and He has it all under control. I know it’s hard to wait. God bless you girl.
Excited to hear how everything goes, praying for you guys. It is scary to take a step of faith, but it really makes us realize how much we need to depend on God, and deepens our relationship with Him. We are still walking through this adoption of a 13 y.o. girl, so I can relate. Thanks for posting and always being such an encouragement. : )
We’re waiting on God to guide our next steps too. It can be difficult to be patient, but I trust that God’s timing is best. I pray that he will give you peace while you wait, and that the kids would be placed with the people that can best care for them.
Still praying! Hope all moves along and we get to meet them soon.
Praying for y’all!
I’ll be praying for you. As an adoptive mom of 3 I remember all to well the waiting game. But as we both know, it is so worth it.
We have fostered to adopt 2 fabulous kiddos! While it’s not always easy if is always worth it. I so vividly remember the limbo stage, and remember hating it. It was a good faith/trust builder. I’ll be praying for everyone involved!
Anxiously awaiting, with you, on some news. I’m sure that God has a plan in mind! Let’s pray for patience while you wait!
Praying for you. God knows. And passing you a paper bag, too!
Ami