[ChinaMamaWannaBe]

Hi, everyone! This is my first post. I am a single woman looking to adopt a Chinese baby girl, and I have already selected an agency and begun speaking to agency references. As those of you familiar with the process know, I am waiting for the next "window" to open up for singles before I can even turn in my Application. So, I am in a holding place right now.

Since it will most likely be no sooner than December or January before I can even turn in my App, I am doing a lot of research and a lot of praying! I have enjoyed getting to know people's stories by reading posts from as far back as the year 2003 - sheesh!
I've had some extra time on my hands.

I would appreciate any encouragment or advice, and I hope to post from time to time. I have a long road ahead of me.
PRAY FOR ME!!!

(laughs) Oh, it's all good... I am trusting that this extra time will help me get more things prepared as far as my App and also - it is clear my baby is not even born yet! (Although I love her already. I feel someone tugging on my red thread!)

Thanks for reading my post,

ChinaMamaWannaBe

[SofiasMom]

Welcome. I'm also a single mom (although when I adopted there was no quota). I suggest you get on several agency waiting lists if you'd like to start sooner. There's also a Yahoo Group for singles adopting from China.

[looneytunes32]

Welcome to the group!

[ChinaMamaWannaBe]

I appreciate the welcome and any advice. I am leaning towards one agency right now, but I am researching others at the same time.

I will definitely post more once my journey becomes more active.

[Threekids4me]

Just wanted to say hi and welcome!!!

[ChinaMamaWannaBe]

I really appreciate it. One thing I have picked up on immediately is how vital it is to (your) well-being to network with other adoptive parents asap. I already feel connected and cared about, and I haven't even begun my process yet!

... However, the minute you let your heart say "yes" to adopt a child, your journey begins.

[morsedonna]

Welcome to the group. I hope your journey is wonderful and short "

[ChinaMamaWannaBe]

Thanks, morsedonna!

[looneytunes32]

Originally Posted by ChinaMamaWannaBe

I really appreciate it. One thing I have picked up on immediately is how vital it is to (your) well-being to network with other adoptive parents asap. I already feel connected and cared about, and I haven't even begun my process yet!

... However, the minute you let your heart say "yes" to adopt a child, your journey begins.

That is so true....because even though our friends and family are supportive, they have not experienced this process, this wait. It's good to have people to talk to who really do know what you're going through.

[oleson1]

Welcome to the wonderful world of China adoption! It is such an emotional roller coaster, but with the help of the friends you make here, the time goes by (relatively) quickly.

Our process took 20 months from start to Gotcha. We have been home for just over 2 months and it really is a lot like childbirth, you forget all of the pain and discomfort as soon as you hold your child in your arms. It is hard to remember a time when she wasn't a part of our lives. It is an amazing journey...

[ChinaMamaWannaBe]

I believe you, oleson1, I really do!! I look forward to that blessed day.

[Shelley]

Welcome. I just wanted to let you know one way around the singles quota, and to shorten the wait, is the waiting children's program. There are lots of children out there with minor sn's, that are just waiting for their family to find them. Lots of them infants. If that's something your interested in talk with your agency. I returned in Jan with our 4 yo daughter. We wanted an older child as we had 5 minor children in the home already. SHe was born with an extra thumb on her right hand, (and a few other minor issues that we were comfortable with.) This was repaired in CHina, it seems that more and more childrens needs are being repaired in CHina by wonderful organizations like Love Without Boundries, but once they are placed on a w/c's list they stay there. Our first daughter adopted from Korea in 2003 was a w/c, 29 weeks preemie, and on a w/c;s list. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Shelley mom to 6 wonderful children

[ChinaMamaWannaBe]

Shelley, thanks. Yes, I am aware that the SN is an option for a quicker route. Although my heart is open to SN in general, I don't feel led in that direction at the present time. I am also not in a hurry. I am preparing myself for the long timeline by truly believing God's Hand is controlling my journey.

Thanks for the info!