The PAC Experience

We attended PAC (Pre- Adoption Classes) a week ago. It was 2 days of really helpful sessions, designed to educate and support us through the adoption process. I will try to give you a simple break down of our time there.

Day 1
The classes started at 12:15 so we got to lounge about that morning, which was a nice treat for us. We were first put into a small group of couples with a social worker. We discussed topics such as adoption language, what adoption is and is not, and the gains and losses of adoption. These were all really insightful topics to talk over with others who are also adopting. We then attended a session on attachment. The session focused on how a child being raised in an orphanage or in foster care experiences attachment issues that are different than a biological child who is with you since day one. It gave us a lot to think about. During our dinner time, our social worker went through our next steps in this process. After dinner we listened to a panel of adults, who were adopted as children. These people had a great perspective on the process. This panel was followed up with a panel of birth moms. It was really enlightening to hear their stories, and it made me really appreciative to hear their side of the story. That was the end of the night, and we went home with our minds absolutely reeling!!

Day 2
The classes started at 8:30am, so we were up earlier that morning. The first session we went to was on China. The Chinese program has a 2+ year wait time right now, and it keeps getting longer. Afterward, Jason and I had to split up to go separate sessions on Korea (Fawnda) and Russia (Jason). The Korean program is very stable, and the coordinator was really personable and spunky. : ) The Russian program is unpredictable, and bureaucratic. After the country sessions were over, we had lunch with our small group. After lunch, we attended a session on trans-racial families. This was packed with eye-opening information for us. It gave us great ideas about how to embrace the heritage and culture of our child. It was also a good reminder that if we adopt a child from another race, we will not longer be a “white” family. We are excited about becoming a multicultural family, but it seems to come with its own set of issues as well. Then one of the social workers talked about the post adoption services. It is amazing what they have to offer for support after our adoption is finalized. This discussion made us feel even more confidant in our decision with this agency. The day ended with a panel of adoptive parents who were sitting in PAC about a year and a half ago. It was encouraging to hear their stories, and to think that some day we might be sitting on that panel.

After attending all of the country sessions we have decided to go with the Korean program. We are definitely excited to start researching Korea, and to start collecting knick-knacks, books, decorations, clothes, etc from Korea. I feel like we now have a closer connection to our future child!!

Due to Technological problems...

We have not been able to update out blog. Our computer is on the fritz and is in the shop being worked on. We are going to update the blog about the wonderful PAC we attended as soon as we can. Thanks for checking in and we hope to update soon.

Goin' to PAC!!!

The adoption agency called with good news this week. The first news came on New Year's Eve when they informed us that there are several regions in Russia that would accept our application, so we will be invited to attend the Pre-Adoption Classes (PAC) this month. This came as a huge relief, because they only offer these classes once a month. If we did not make it into this month's classes, we would have to wait until February, and that would set back our Home Study another month - PAC is a prerequisite for the Home Study. So, we are set to join PAC on January 17th and 18th. More good news came today, when they called to tell us that Korea would also accept our application. This makes me very excited, since Korea was my first choice (Fawnda writing)!

PAC is a 2 day "retreat" at the agency where they have different sessions on how to do the home study, information on the different countries, information on parenting adoptive children, and other helpful tips and tid-bits of information. We know that it will be very useful. Now, the word "retreat" makes it sound as if we will be getting away. This is not true. The agency is only a few minutes from our house, so we will not be staying anywhere fancy (although, we do have a nicely decorated home). We will be sleeping in our own beds, which is where I prefer to sleep anyway!

The agency also said that we need yet another letter from Jason's doctor (it is the saga that never ends - I tell ya). The agency is looking for very specific wording this time. The new letter needs to state, "there are no complications to internal organs". Hopefully, Jason's doctor can handle this, and it will be quick and painless. We ask for your prayers in this manner, as his doctor has been . . . how can I put this nicely . . . less than helpful.