Today was our first home study visit with our case worker down in Bluffton. We weren't sure what exactly to expect and it went great! We met for about 2 hours just talking about ourselves and getting to know each other! It was great because we learned our case worker is also an adoptive mother so she completely understands what we are going through.
She pretty much outlined for us what our process will be like during the home study and what to expect. What training we need to do and more paperwork! Surprise surprise!! Lol! We talked about how we see each other as a parent, disciplining styles, coping during the wait, etc. A lot of info to take in!
One realization she brought up is what our child will go through even once they are home. She drew a picture for us. Picture a heart drawn on a piece of paper which represents your child's heart. In the middle is a hole. Our child will always have this hole in the middle of their heart. It could be from abandonment, the not knowing, abuse or anything negative related to the adoption process. Surrounding the heart, we can fill it with things like security, fun, family, Jesus, comfort, love and stability. At this point we have a choice. We can either focus our effort on trying to fill that hole or we can focus on the things surrounding the hole that might make that hole a little smaller!
Most of us coming from birth families get that connection as soon as we are born that start to mold us into who we are right away. We hear our mothers voice, the softness and warmth of her skin, the love from her touch. Kids stuck in orphanages and institutions are left staring at a sterile white ceiling, never get soothed when crying, lay in soiled diapers, fed barely anything. My heart breaks for them. And then once/if they are placed with forever families you have to start from the beginning. It's a lot to take in!! Just a little something to think about!
We covered some tough stuff today but Josh and I are ready for the challenge! We are excited to dig into some books and learn as much as we can to prepare ourselves the best we can and to be able, to the best of our ability, provide the best home we can for our daughter!!
We are still working on our ongoing fundraiser with our GoFundMe account to save up for the first round of fees due at the end of the home study. If you would like to support us in this way, the link to our account is on the left side of this blog! Anything is appreciated! As a thank you, for every $15 minimum donation we will send you a special MudLove bracelet that was made specifically for our adoption! These bracelets are to remind us that no matter what challenges and struggles we will have along the way-we need to keep our faith focused on The Creator himself!
Once again, we want to thank you all for your continued love and support and especially your prayers!! You all have a special place in our hearts!! :-)
We love you all-
-Josh and Renee
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