After looking at many agencies, I was able to narrow down my selection to four agencies. Each of these agencies had decent-good reviews, programs that were comparable with what we were looking for, and seemingly good customer service/interaction. Here is my chart for these 4 agencies:
Indeed, I would feel fairly comfortable working with any of these four. The question was now: Which one???
I filled out pre-applications on three of the 3 agencies. A pre-app is somewhat of an introduction, and covers some basic information to see if you qualify to adopt and what countries you qualify for. At this point, most of the agencies I spoke with were directing me to India. Because of our desired timeframe and other specifications, virtually all of the original 14 agencies I spoke with said that India might be a good choice. One agency spoke about Burundi, Africa. I was very excited about this agency and program until I read many negative reviews on that agency.
So, India. Brownish kiddos, some varriyng special needs, young children available, and an 18-ish month process. Ok.
Each of these agencies were telling me about the same thing in regards to the process, which was reassuring. I spoke with representatives of each agency and gathered as much information as I could.
Things we asked about: If the staff had traveled to the country? How long the staff had held their positions at the agency? How many children had been placed this past year? How many families were in process? None of the answers were "deal breakers" but it gave us a good feel for how the agency was operating. We also read everything on the websites including the staff bios, to get a feel for the background of the people tat would help us expand our family.
At one point, I mentioned to Philip that our contact at a particular agency seemed very informative and helpful, but could benefit by having more personality. He laughed, and we agreed that personality (or lack thereof) was not a reason to discount an agency. Staff sometimes changes (often, in the case of our previous adoption) so choosing an agency based solely on one person's personality is not always wise.
Through much prayer and thought, I narrowed the choices to America World Adoptions, and Children's House International. I really liked Nightlight also, but they place kiddos a little older than what we are hoping for. The Lutheran Social Services just sorta went by the wayside for no apparent reason. I really liked Children House, but compared to the focus and vision for America World, I was more inclined to choose America World.
Drawbacks to America World: They seem to be very conservative and strict in their faith-based commitments. Part of the application process is signing a simple doctrinal statement and agreeing that you will raise your child in a strong Christian environment. While this is not at all a problem for Philip and I, I can see where it would be a challenge and deal-breaker for many good families wishing to adopt. Children's House International does not have this aspect, and I would encourage families to look into that agency also.
Both Philip and I feel comfortable with the choice of America World Adoption Association (AWAA). The times we have spoken to them, they have been helpful. They communicate clearly and return calls in a timely fashion. When our contact didn't know the answer, she found it and had a knowledgable person call and speak with Philip. He was impressed with the prompt response, and felt comfortable with the answers given.
AWAA has an online application, and at the moment it is mostly filled out. It involves some financial information, which I do not have ready access to and would rather delegate to Philip. It also involves some things Philip needs to fill out for himself. Along with the application is a $250 application fee. We have already been pre-approved through the pre-application, so I do not doubt that we will be accepted into the program. I mean, who wouldn't want to give us kids?? That is where we stand at the moment.
There really isn't a neon sign flashing that says "Philip and Anna: adopt now!" but there is a virtual neon sign highlighting the needs in the world around us. We are reasonably established as a family, and our kiddos consistently demonstrate a heart of compassion and tenderness for the unfortunate. We are confident they will lovingly accept a new child. We agree that, 18 months from now, we will wish we had started the adoption process now. A child won't land tomorrow on our doorstep, so we will take the first steps and put things in motion now.
Philip nicknamed our new child "Indiana". I somewhat prefer "Indie", but the concept is the same. Boy or girl, one or two... we really don't know! But we are committed to poking ahead and seeing what doors God opens, and how He directs our steps. We know that man plans his ways, but the Lord directs steps, and we trust Him to do just that as we move forward in faith. (Proverbs 16:9)
Continue to follow the blog for our next steps and big decisions ahead!
Next Post: what about the money?
