Decided to investigate adoption again, seriously this time. Had toyed with the idea for at least twenty years, but the time was never right, or my finances were never stable enough. Made a checklist of things to investigate (agencies, requirements, finances, countries, citizenship, developmental issues, etc.) and started researching diligently.

Mon, 15 September 2003

• Decided to make my investigation formal.
• Wrote to local agency for information on their programs.

Tue, 16 September 2003

Agency responded, saying they only worked with Ukraine for single fathers, and would be pleased to discuss possibilities with me.

Wed, 17 September 2003—Sun, 21 September 2003

• Re-investigated Ukrainian adoption procedures and types of children available.
• Checked message boards for negative reports on agency (found none).
• Checked Better Business Bureau for negative reports on agency (found none).
• Checked State of Texas incorporation records, non-profit determination, and tax records for agency (all okay).
• Considered the alternative of hiring a social worker for the homestudy (instead of hiring the whole agency to help with the adoption). Decided that because I was single and would have to juggle everything myself, it would be worth the additional cost to have an agency's assistance.

Mon, 22 September 2003

• Took a deep breath, and made the firm decision to adopt.
• Decided to meet with social worker from agency instead of going independently.
• Set appointment to meet social worker and gather initial information.