What are your reasons...

So lately, I have been a bit disturbed by some of the posts that I have been reading in some of the Yahoo groups. There was one person (and I am not trying to point fingers, but...) she posted a message that basically said that she wasn't interested in adopting from Ethiopia, but would do it so that she could "get a kid in under 12 months!" While I didn't post anything back to her my mind was racing. What is wrong with this woman??? Why would you even say something like that? Why would you take a spot on a waiting list away from someone who truly wants a child from this country? Why would you have that thought and then verbalize it? However, as I refelected upon my own process of choosing a country, I know that I spent many days and actually several weeks narrowing down my choices. I know that in the end, I had to go with the country that I felt most drawn to. Is that wrong? Am I basically being her but from a different persepctive? This whole post really got me thinking--why do I want to adopt as a single woman?

My friends and coworkers have asked me this. And my reasons have been many. I know that I could provide an amazing home for someone. I have a lot of love to give. I have never felt the urge to have a child of my own, but have always knows that adoption was my option. I have a great job that allows for flexibility. I have a great support system in place. I have great friends. I have a great community. I feel like I am culturally aware--I have many close Latino, African American, Asian, Native American, and multi/bi-racial friends. I live in a place where being able to share Ethiopian culture with Peanut would be easy. I have always been attracted to Africa and have been to 4 coutries and am going to Egypt in 2009! I have travelled extensively and feel as if I have gained a bigger world view. I have two masters degrees. Uh, what else? I am pretty hip and with it and will be a great mom.

So--why do it without having a man? My answer to this is--Why not!!! At 35, I know that I am young, but why wait any longer? I know that the road won't be easy. I feel as if I am up to the task. Am I delusional? Maybe, but I won't know until I get there. Am I ready to trade in my Business class tickets for 2 coach seats--sure, why not? Am I ready to trade in my Starbucks for sippy cups--you bet. I don't want to adopt to fill a void in my life--I am adopting to fill a void in Peanut's life.

First time out the gate

So I guess that since I have started the journey to become a PAP, I must start blogging. Well, I don't know that I must, but I have seen how therapeutic it is for other PAPs and heck, why not. Well, I have finally narrowed down my search to choosing an agency. Now all I have to do is find a Home Study agency that isn't crazy. Yeah, I said it--crazy! some of these places require so many hoops while I read about others that say "We work with you, not against you!" Uh, then why does the place down the street sound angry?! I don't know, I am sure that I will find the right fit and once I do, I will know for sure.

Also, is it just me, or should I be telling more people about becoming a PAP? Is it the same thing that women go through when they don't want to tell people during their first trimester, just to make sure? Since I am single and have no bio kids--I don't know. Maybe I should ask some of my friends who have kids why they don't share the news until after the first three months. I guess I just want to be further along in the process before I start telling everyone about my plans. Am I afraid of what they will think? Do I care? Who knows.