Winter 2007

THISTLEDOWN

A quarterly publication of Red Thistle Adoptions
PO Box 5428, Salem, OR 97304 * 503/508-9251 redthistleadoptions@yahoo.com


AGENCY HIGHLIGHT: I Thought I Had
My Life Planned Out

I planned to get married and start the family I had always dreamt of. During my wait for Mr. Right, I shed many tears and prayed in earnest (begged was more like it) that my dreams would come true. I felt God had forgotten me. I thought, “Doesn’t everyone deserve a family?” I kept asking God, “Why?” Little did I know the Lord had plans far better than I could ever imagine. 

I came to a point (40+) when I knew my life would be just as it was unless I did something about it. I began to consider what it would be like to be a single parent. I searched my heart, asked God what to do, and read James 1:27. It occurred to me God might be leading me to adoption. Could an orphan need me? Did I need an orphan? After searching the web, Guatemala stood out. 

Sometime later I read Psalm 113:9, “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.” I KNEW God wanted me to adopt. I was scared to death, but I closed my eyes and took a leap of faith. I am not a risk taker, but this was worth the risk. 

I found a placing agency that fit my needs and Red Thistle to do my home study. When I spoke to Beverly the first time, I was clueless and nervous. What if she said I was unfit to be a parent? During the first home study visit she eased my mind, and I felt very comfortable. She always called right back, tried to answer all my questions, and had words of encouragement. 

Well, long story short, my daughter came home from Guatemala in June 2006. She just turned one and is the most amazing little girl. Be warned, adopting internationally is not for the faint of heart. It is filled with unknowns, risk, and even heartache. I often cried my heart out, thinking it would never work out. But as I sit here with my daughter sleeping peacefully in the next room, I cannot tell you how incredible the journey has been. I never imagined God’s plans could be this wonderful. My daughter is pure joy and the Lord our God DOES hear our prayers. We just need to be patient and listen closely.

For those on the adoption journey, I wish you much happiness and peace in the New Year. If you have questions about being a single parent or Guatemalan adoptions, I would be happy to speak with you. Call Beverly for my number. I am not an expert, but I can offer encouragement and an idea of what it is like to take that leap of faith. 

FOR YOUR INFO: New Adoption Program

Red Thistle Adoptions is now a contracted SNAC adoption agency. The Special Needs Adoption Coalition (SNAC) is a public-private cooperative effort between Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and licensed private adoption agencies. SNAC is dedicated to recruiting, preparing, screening, and counseling families for the adoption of Oregon children in the state foster care system.

Ages of Oregon’s waiting children vary; some are toddlers, but the majority of children are school aged. They are ethnically diverse, but each child’s story is unique. Due to neglect or abuse, some may have cognitive, physical, and emotional delays or disabilities. Some wait in sibling groups, while others wait alone. What they all have in common is the immediate need for a loving, permanent home.
Steps in Pre-Adoption Process For Oregon Special Needs Children

1) SNAC and local DHS branches offer introductory adoption orientation meetings and pre-adopt training classes. They are free and require no obligation or commitment. The orientation meeting provides an opportunity to become acquainted with the adoption process, learn more about Oregon’s waiting children, and further explore special needs adoption. A series of pre-adoption training classes help prospective parents develop further insights into their capacity to adopt a special needs child.

2) After completing orientation and pre-adoption classes, family can begin formal evaluation process. The first step is to complete a Red Thistle Adoptions Application. Your adoption worker will be an advocate to help your family prepare for the adoption. During the home study process the adoption worker will get to know your family. The adoption worker will pass on this information, in the form of a written home study report, to the DHS caseworkers of the children who might be a good match. Prospective parents are invited to view bulletin books containing current child photos and descriptions.

3) In conjunction with child's caseworker, once a family and the adoption worker declare a formal and mutual interest in a waiting child, an Adoption Committee is scheduled. Committees usually occur when there are one to three candidate families for a child or sibling group. Each Adoption Committee, comprised of objective adoption professionals, is dedicated to assessing the child's needs, in conjunction with strengths and abilities of candidate families. Based on best interests of child, Committee selects family with whom child will be placed.

UPCOMING EVENTS:You’ll be glad you went

A Eugene Information Meeting for those interested in adopting and for Red Thistle families to get together is planned for Saturday, January 6, 2007, from 10:00 am–noon. Executive Director Beverly Brainard and Rebecca Tuazon, Attorney at Law, will discuss the home study process and answer questions. The meeting will be held at Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Avenue, Eugene, Oregon (541/485-8564). Please invite your friends and be prepared to share your adoption story.

For more information call Red Thistle Adoptions at 503/508-9251.

The Heart Gallery of Oregon will hold its statewide “kick-off” exhibition on February 14-16, 2007 at the State Capitol in Salem. The Heart Gallery helps foster children find adoptive homes by exhibiting their professionally photographed portraits in public spaces across the state. For more information about the Heart Gallery go to www.heartgalleryoregon.org. 


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Red Thistle considers it a privilege to provide adoption counseling while families work through the home study process and post-placement period for domestic,  international, and special needs adoptions. All services are provided in a speedy, stress free, and non-threatening manner as possible. Please visit our website at www.redthistleadoptions.com, call 503/508-9251, or send an email to bev@redthistleadoptions.com for more information.