I used to like roller coasters.

Really I do like the real ones.  But lately the emotional one has taken over and I am not enjoying the ride.  

About 3 weeks ago, I spoke to someone who is trying to help people who want to adopt from Uganda.  He told me I could probably travel in April or May.  WHAT?? Are you kidding me?  OK I have got to get busy.  I have most of the required paperwork.  I just need to get my homestudy completed and raise some money.  The climb of the roller coaster car has begun.  So I sit down and complete the 10 page application.  Two days later I mail my application for my homestudy.  The agency called me the next day.  I didn't know the US Postal Service worked that fast.  Still climbing.  I call the agency and they are mailing my initial paperwork and the Contract Homestudy Manual.  Two days later I receive my envelope.  Inside is a folder containing a few forms, fingerprint cards, and a zip drive.  My roller coaster car has just jerked to a stop at the top of the hill.

I plug the drive into my computer and start to browse the 98 pages of documents that I have to read, fill out, and spill my guts on.  No problem I can do this.  I hate paperwork, but it is all going to be worth it.  I fill out the first set of forms that need to be returned and call to see about getting fingerprinted.  They only do fingerprinting on Wednesday or Saturday, so I plan to go on Wednesday.  I was told I did not need an appointment, so as soon as the buses left the school I was right behind them.  I rush down to the office, only to be told that I can only be fingerprinted on day shift.  OK,  would have been nice to have been told that when I called on Monday.  Thanks for pushing my roller coaster car over the edge.  

I get home and I have a message from my social worker.  She wants me to call her on Friday, so I really get started on the manual, so I can have questions ready.  Maybe I am not going completely over the edge and plummeting down hill.  

This is a sidebar---Are they really serious with some of these questions?  Do I want to make a lifelong commitment to a child? No I just thought I would pour my heart and soul into a 2 year stint.  Is this not a timeshare kind of thing?   Where do they get this stuff?  I have about 20 of these jewels to answer.  Anyone who knows me can tell you, I hate an essay question.  

Ok I'm back from my rant.  So Friday I get ready for my first phone call with my social worker.  She is only in the office from 8am-2pm.  Not exactly the best hours for a teacher to try to reach someone, but we do have some down time.  Oh I'm sorry,  we have a meeting durning my planning period.  Can't do it then.  I'll try to get someone to watch my class for a few minutes.  Sorry again, it's the 100th day of school and we have celebrating to do.  So finally at 1 it is break time.  Here's my chance.  I can make this phone call with 200 5, 6, and 7 year olds sitting right outside the lounge.  I do get to talk to my social worker.  She sounds very sweet.  I ask her my questions and she is able to answer them all.  Maybe my roller coaster car is reaching the bottom of a very short hill.  We talk about setting up our first of four appointments.  I'm hoping for next week.  I really have to jump on this thing quickly.  She is only in the office 3 days a week from 8am-2pm.  OK I can take 1/2 day of my precious off days to go.  I really need to save them.  I am planning to travel in April or May.  She says she doesn't know if that will be possible.  What?   She informs me that it will take 4 months to complete my homestudy?  WHAT?  I thought it was only supposed to take 6-8 weeks.  So we make an appointment for Presidents Day.  At least I don't have to take a sick day.   So I hope at this point my roller coaster car is at the bottom and is starting back up the next hill.

I did get my fingerprints done today and the lady was very nice.  I went right next door to the post office and mailed them off.  

I'm glad that God is in control of my roller coaster car.  It is going to be a great ride.  I just have to look for the thrills in those down hill falls.  

I would appreciate any advice from those who have taken this ride before me.  

Prayer and wise counsel will get me through.

Thanks and God bless.