[jcsunshine]

I'm in Volusia County and have been working with a private agency hoping to adopt a newborn. We took the MAPP class just in case a situation came up. I'm now considering switching to foster/adopt. I hear lots of stories about people getting placed with babies and ending up adopting them. I know it is risky because I don't want my heart ripped out.

I am also mentoring a 17 1/2 year old who is getting ready to age out of the system. Mentoring is great and has taught me that once you become part of a kid's care team you really do love them. I would even consider having her move in with us in the next few months or when she turns 18... it is still early but she is already part of my family and I only see her once a week. This is a great realization for me 1. An older child fits into my family 2. It doesn't take long to invest your heart. My plan was for an infant... God's plan is often very different from mine and I'll probably end up with a 17 1/2 year old! I'm going to a matching event. Even though I want a baby I know I love kids and if we connect with a kid then we will pursue that as well.