Home Study Interviews Done

leanrog · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 05:39 PM

I am so excited! We are finally done with our home study interviews

Now we just have to wait for our SW to write it up so we can send it in with our I-600A which we already filed.

This has been the craziest and most stressful 2 weeks of my life which is why I have been MIA. We had everything decided and filed our paperwork and did our background checks and everything and then my dh did some further research on the agency that we had already sent our application and app. fee in to and because of some very negative things we found out we decided we could not go with them. They had some unethical things going on and it just broke my heart to have to leave them because I was so excited about being on our way. Well, needless to say I had to start my agency research all over again because I had thrown all the other agency info packets and my research away...dumb, I know. Anyway, after not finding what we wanted we even contemplated switching to Kazakhstan. We were so close to switching countries but Kaz is just so expensive and the two long trips doesn't help. Plus, my heart just knew my baby is still waiting for me in Vietnam. After much stress and research and tears and prayer we finally decided to stick with Vietnam and decided on an agency. Now we are back on track but we just need to send in our new application.

Hopefully our SW will get our home study written up soon but she thought it would be after Christmas or New Year's but I keeping my fingers crossed that it will be sooner. Of course, Christmas is next week so it shouldn't be too much longer either way. I just want to get it done and sent in so we can get our I-171H approval so we can officially get "in line"

Anyway, sorry for writing a book...I'm just so excited to be over the first of many bumps we will experience.

angie33 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 06:49 AM

Leanne-

I was wondering how it went, glad you posted!

Congrats on getting over one more hurdle on your way to mommyhood!

So tell me....how was the homestudy? I think I had it in my head that it's just awful but the people I talked to who have gone through it says it sounds scarier than it really is. We're in the process of a hurry up remodel/cleaning/organizing job on our house so we can do one soon.

Please tell us some questions they asked, things they looked at if you have time .... ok?

Sorry you had to find another agency at the last minute but it sounds like you're on your way now woohoo!

Please keep us posted!

ruby1979 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 08:05 AM

Leanne, congrats. on getting your homestudy done!

It wasn't so bad was it?

Sorry to hear though that you had to change agencies! But it's important that your comfortable with the agency you choose because they are the ones who are going to finally make you a mommy and you have to feel that you can trust them. Good luck & keep up posted.

nicoleb · #4 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 08:48 AM

Congrats! That has to feel good.
We have found that going with your gut is essential during the adoption process. Can't wait to hear about your progress!

Nicole

amberl10 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 12:09 PM

What a wonderful feeling!

mildlydelirious · #6 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 05:53 PM

I am amazed at how fast things are going along for you.

It's so exciting that you are so close to getting "in-line."

~m

theluvof2moms · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 03:51 AM

Oh my gosh! You guys are just breezing through all of this, that is so wonderful.

I'm sorry to hear your original agency didn't work out but I must second what someone else said, in the long run you will be so happy because the agency you work with, will be making you a family. You have to have complete trust with them.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

leanrog · #8 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 04:12 PM

Angie - Sorry I am just now replying to your question. It's been crazy with the Holidays and I haven't been on here at all.

Yes, the home study was a breeze and not scary at all. The hardest part was my cleaning frenzie before she got here

There weren't a lot of tough questions but a lot of those type of questions you would expect on a job interview. Questions like, what are your weaknesses and strengths, what are your hobbies, how is your relationship with your spouse and your parents and sibblings, how will you be as a parent (what types of dicipline will you use) and how will you help your child deal with bonding issues and issues with being different (since we will be a transracial family). She looked at all our rooms made sure we had smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and first aid kit. She didn't expect us to have our house child-proofed yet she just wanted to make sure we would before we brought her home.

One of the more interesting questions that I didn't expect was when she asked each of us to describe what we like and dislike about eachother when we were both sitting with her. It was kinda like being put on the spot

Anyway, I hope this helps! Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know.