Embryo Adoption

Joerg & I are still really thinking about embryo adoption. We've asked if we can be transfered into the embryo adoption program. However, because we've already been approved and waiting since 11/30, they may not allow a refund of the program fee. They cannot just transfer the fee because the fee would be paid directly to the NEDC, whereas Bethany just does the homestudy then. We asked if there is no way to refund the program fee, if we can be do concurrent adoptions between the domestic infant and the embryo adoption program. Doing concurrent adoptions is brand new to Bethany, and is typically done on a case by case basis, and only between international and domestic. Seeing as there's no specific time line in either domestic or embryo adoptions, they are not sure if this should be allowed. So they're discussing whether or not we can do this. They said it is precedent setting, and will be discussed at the national level of Bethany as to whether it will be allowed.

So we're waiting and praying! We really do feel called to do the embryo adoption. It's been in our hearts for a long time now, and we've waffled between domestic infant and embryo adoption since investigating moving forward with adoption. So they know we're interested in both. They asked our reasons for switching at this time, and basically it boils down to my turning 35 this month. If we do domestic infant, we have to wait a year before doing a 2nd adoption. If it takes a full 2 years to be matched, this could mean I would be 38 before entering the embryo adoption program. In the embryo adoption program, you still wait to be matched with genetic parents. So it still takes time to be matched. So maybe I would be 39 before a child would be born. So age is a factor. But money is also a factor, so if it would mean the loss of that program fee, we will stay with domestic infant for now. We do want to do both programs. I suppose a large part of the reason we went with domestic infant was a fear of needles, and having just come off the in-vitro cycles, I'd had my fill of needs. I'm now ok with that again. Call it selective memory if you will :) The other reason we went with domestic infant when we did is, we were matched with a friend of a family member who wanted to place with us. We took that as a sign to move forward with domestic infant adoption. That plan fell through. The friend of the family had lied to us, and the due date changed from Dec to May . . . every time we talked it got further out. Something wasn't right. We never met her face to face and we honestly do not even know if she really was ever pregnant.

So here we are! We want to do the embryo adoption program, and we're asking for your prayers that all goes according to God's plans, whatever they may be. We feel so pulled in the embryo adoption direction and have from the get-go. So there must be a reason for it right?

Love,
Julie