The adoption paperwork has been a much slower process than I expected. Let us say that I was a bit cocky about our ability to be the fastest family in history to complete the process. We’re now approaching another world record for adoption paperwork, that of which I’ll keep to myself. However, regardless of the speed, the paper pushing is nearing an end. Soon we will assume our place on the list of families waiting for a referral. Right now there are 56 families waiting for this magical news. On average there are 3 families a week that receive a referral. While the wait will take time, we are still in the pre-waiting room. Compare it to the security screening for suspicious items by the TSA before you are even allowed to wait for your flight.
Currently we are completing an adoption course focused on the medical conditions of our child. While the training is dry for the typical reading time of 9pm, the information will be a great reference when Acacia is in our home. What has been most impacting is the sample police report for transferring a child to the orphanage. In this scenario, which is described to us as typical, the police were notified of the discovery of an abandoned infant. She was named Abeba which means flower because she was found in a garden. Two women were heading past the garden when they heard a baby’s cry. They approached the sound and found a baby wrapped in a cloth. Her umbilical cord was attached to her belly, she was covered with ants and the accompanying ant bites. The next lines are taken directly from the report:
“Fortunately, Abeba was found alive and well. She was lucky to be bitten by ants and not by hyenas or other wild animals. Many such children are found too late. Most suffer from malnutrition and different illnesses. She was lucky that someone cared for her immediately and took her to the authorities. She was more likely to suffer from neglect, malnutrition, or lead a difficult life if she was not placed in an adoption agency. She has no one to care for her or raise her. She needs to be adopted into a loving family to help her heal her emotional scars this abandonment might bring in the future.”
To abandon your child in this fashion is beyond my understanding. I do struggle to empathize with the mother, regardless of each imaginary scenario my mind creates. Yet, my position is not one of judgment because I am sure she had her reasons.
Adoption is a rollercoaster filled with moments of confidence and consternation. I can label the present as a moment of confidence. A moment where I know adoption is the right thing to do.
On another note, I'm happy to report that our online shop has generated over 20 sales! Please continue to share the website and help Path to Acacia take off! Killeen and I have added some new items... check them out at www.etsy.com/shop/pathtoacacia.
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