So today I am starting with a new "Family Adoption Specialist" it seems my last one has decided to move on after only being in the role for 6 months. The good news is this one has been around for over 15 years so fingers crossed that maybe they will be able to navigate the system better. I'm still being patient but it's not one of my better virtues :-).

Being Matched - 6 Months After Getting Approved

So being matched is taking longer than I expected. Even though they told me the age range
(3-6) would take longer than if I went older I guess I didn't really realize how much longer. One thing I've learned is that all the counties in the state are not linked so while you think they should be the reality is you are being matched on what's available in your county only. So I reached out to surrounding counties and sent my information out to them as well. I also looked into international adoption for several countries and found it's so expensive and some countries require you to be there for 30 days at a time and that's not really an option so I'm not going that route right now. Basically patience is the key piece here and I'm just going to rely on fate and God to match me when it's the right time.

The First Match Info

The child was a great match in everything but age. A little older than what I’m looking for. They agency been great and up front with saying don’t be afraid to say no for whatever reason.

They just believe in presenting all ages that fit your criteria because they’ve had so many families change their mind on the age ranges once a child is presented.

I’ve also decided to give looking in the US a good 6 months then possibly branch out international as well. I think I might have better luck with a younger child internationally.

First Match

So tomorrow I have a call with my case worker. They said they have a match they want me to consider. The only thing I know so far is it's a little out of my preferences but they feel he/she is a great fit on everything else. We'll see fingers crossed!

Child Share

Last night I went to my first Child Share event. This is where the different case workers present the local county children avialable for adoption. While none were in my age range of 3-6 it was very interesting and informative. I was however very surpised to find myself writing everything down about a 16 year old boy and while I'm still searching for my specific age range I couldn't help thinking I wish I had a bigger home with more bedrooms so I could take him too.

So today I got my home approval and I can now start to be matched with children Woo Hoo!!

I’m attending a Child Share meeting on Tuesday where all the local case workers present the children they are working with and I'll start actively looking on my own as well in other counties within the state of FL.