Parker's Progress: November 2011

Friday, November 18, 2011

The 1st Meeting

We had our first meeting with the social worker yesterday and had a lot of our questions answered. We found out that we will more than likely be adopting an infant. For those of you who know me, you know that this makes me very happy. I would be happy with any child, I know that orphans of all ages need homes, but I selfishly hoped I would have at least one more baby. Since we have two children, we may have more of a wait ahead of us because couples without children are put at the top of the list; however, we're not being too picky as to what is "acceptable" to us, so that may be in our favor.

I feel a little more at ease after hearing how our agency cares for the birth mothers and uses this as a ministry to them; sometimes we forget about them. We (I say "we", but I guess I really mean "I") think about the children and the parents who adopt them, but haven't given much thought as to why these women are having to make a truly difficult decision. Whatever their reason may be, I'm so thankful they selflessly choose adoption instead of abortion. I'm also grateful for those who foster, who open up their homes and families to provide, however brief it may be, a loving and safe environment for children who are waiting for their families.

Our next visit with our social worker will be Dec. 8th at our home. In the next few weeks/months, we have quite a bit to do. We have to create a profile that will be shown to prospective mothers, we have to go to the doctor for our check-ups (I of course am used to going to the doctor and getting blood work done, but Danny may not be so excited about this part), we have to get copies of everything from our marriage certificate to our tax returns, etc. So, The Parker's will be busy, busy, busy for the next few months or years (hopefully months). Whatever may come from this, good or bad, we know that God is control and we are excited to see what He has planned for us.

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all." (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Next Step

Today, we received our Child Abuse and Neglect (CANS) forms, finger print cards, and State Police Clearance Letter. The CANS forms are basically a criminal history/background check. The forms were completed online by the two of us, but we have to get them notarized and then will mail them to our social worker and she’ll submit them to Security Biometric Clearing Network (SBCN) (a.k.a. really scary-sounding place). We also have to go to our local police dept or DHR office to get finger print cards processed.

Thursday November 17th is our first meeting with our social worker. I know it will take a while for a child to be placed with us, but we are excited to get things moving along (hence, this blog, where I feel the need to post every little thing that is happening).

Side Note: T-Shirts are in; please see me, call me, email me if you’d like to buy one. They are really cute and were designed by our kids, Gage (10) & Cady (5). $12 for kid sizes, $15 for adult, $20 for XXL. All profits go directly to our adoption account.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

So, Just How Much Does Adption Cost?

Since we are going to have fundraisers to help pay for our adoption (and because a few people have asked), I think I should explain up front what some of the costs associated with adoption are and why we are so appreciative of any help we get:

Explanation of Adoption Fees
(Domestic Adoption)
AGENCY FEES:
-Application Fee: $250 (due with application submission)
-Initial Program Fee: $500 (due at profile submission)
-1st Home Study Fee (AL Residents): $750 (due at 1st Home Study visit)
-2nd Home Study Fee (AL Residents): $750 (due at 3rd Home Study visit)
-Annual Update Fees (AL Residents): $350, annually
-Placement Fee: $13,000 - 20,000 (Home Study fees are credited to this fee)
ESTIMATED TOTAL: $14,000 - $21,000 (this does not include attorney
fees, background checks, doctor's visits, consultations, etc...)

Now you know why adoption is not for everyone! We are by no means rich, but have been blessed with jobs and the ability to provide for our family. We want to extend the blessings we've received and welcome into our home and family an orphaned child. While we are already saving and making sacrifices of our own, we will need help raising money. We plan on having several fundraisers throughout this process so please let us know if you would like to help in any way or if you have any ideas of some fundraisers you've seen do well. Thank you again for your support and prayers.

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."-
James 1:26-27

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Adoption T-Shirts

We are selling t-shirts designed by our children, Gage and Cady, to help raise money for our upcoming adoption. All proceeds will be placed in our adoption account that we've set up specifically to help pay adoption expenses. Thank you for your support! Please comment below or send an email to jkristinparker@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

*If you are family/friend/NCBC member and would like to order a shirt but do not want to pay extra to have it shipped to you, send an email to jkristinparker@yahoo.com and we'll bring it to you as soon as we receive it.