training #1

Bob and I drove to Ft. Collins yesterday, not knowing what was in store for a 9am-4pm training on adoption.  This was training #1, there will be three.  One in February and one in March.  I'm looking forward to them both.  On the drive home, Bob said it was worth missing the Bronco's in the playoffs.  I love my husband.
It was heavy information, but valuable.  It should be a must for all parents before they even have biological children.  The premise was "don't be scared, become prepared".  Knowledge is power right?  We learned so much yesterday, about special needs kiddos, neglect, abuse, and trauma, self-assessments, attachment, and all the resources available.  How the brain reacts, the durability of these kids, and the way their lives can change when they come home is amazing.
We feel like we're "in" it now, it feels real.  Our first home visit (there will be four) is next Monday.  We met our social worker yesterday and like her as well.  Good thing, she'll be doing our post placement visits, once this guy is home too.
To complete the home study, we'll need another $1200.  There are many ways to help:
- race the GO St. Louis half with this team
- pick any race and ask for sponsors
- buy a $10 HANSEL ADOPTION TEAM bracelet
- buy a barnwood, walnut, or beetle kill frame
- let us babysit for you
- donate something we can sell (declutter people, it feels great!)

Have any other great ideas that we haven't thought of?  Email me please!

We are so grateful for all of you, we are so grateful for this unbelievable journey.