So, two weeks after our post-AEP appointment where we were told that they wanted to push us through over the summer, we are still waiting to hear from our newly assigned social worker and for the home study to begin.
We are also still waiting for any word on the sibling group we had expressed interest in. We just wanted to know whether these kids had an adoption plan in the works or if they were still looking for a family. With our inquiry being passed on almost overnight, it is hard to sit back and wait weeks for an answer.
It has been just over six months since we first made contact with the ministry and we have hit our first valley. The practical part of me reminds myself that it is summer time and people do take summer holidays which would delay our social worker speaking with the children's social worker. And I also have to remind myself that this process was only started six months ago and, while we have moved through eight of the 17 steps very fast, delays are to be expected. Technically, we are ahead of schedule but still it is frustrating.
As a couple we continue to talk about what life could look like a year from now - especially when we have a lazy day around the house where loading the dishwasher is the major accomplishment for the day - but we do not really speak about how our journey could take up to two or more years to complete and that we will face many peaks and valleys
So while we have completed the adoption education program, it seems that I still need to learn a little patience... and my bouquet of balloons is looking a little deflated tonight.
Ahh...the valleys... the waiting and the wondering... I hate to say it, but there will be plenty. Like switching agencies due to ethical concerns and losing 7 months of wait time and $9000. Or waiting for the bureaucratic wheels to GET MOVING - hopefully not dealing with a 3rd world country will help you somewhat on that end. But as much as there will be valleys there's going to moments of ridiculous excitement and progress. The trick is to find the balance between the two. I'm 3 years into it and I don't know that I'm there yet...
ReplyDeleteHere's what I tell myself when the balloons deflate. Whatever frustrations and anxiety and anguish I am going through, they can't be any more than what my kidlet went through. Maybe this is some cosmic way of trying to even out the playing field. Hang in there! Sometimes a valley can be a quiet place to regroup and recharge...