We'll be going to another matching party in early May.

This one, I kind of dread.

See, last time, we got our hopes up for a group of 4 children we had met, and everything seemed great, and then someone else got selected, so Tony and I were CRUSHED.

But, now we've just found out that the kids were actually at the first meeting of their new adoptive parents...so now I kind of feel bad that the oldest, R, and I stayed together pretty much most of the day.

Everywhere I turned, there he was. haha

The 2 we had went to see had shown up late, because of their social worker having some sort of problem...I think it was a car problem.

Anyway, that meeting went okay as well. The 16 year old was more reserved...but that's understandable considering their situation.

So...now we're wondering...WHO are we going to meet and see this time?

This time, we're actually "going into this blind". We at least KNEW who we were going to see at the party...I actually had tutored the youngest one, so we knew each other.

But now, we really WILL be strangers. To everyone.

It will be at a fairgrounds...I have NO clue if it's going to be set up like a fair (with rides, etc), or if it's like a huge picnic. I guess we'll know once we get there.

It will take about an hour to drive there...the drives to the parties are fun...but I am just ready to have "the call" and bring home our children.

Maybe...just maybe, we'll get the call this Friday, or the following Monday, and get to meet our new kids at the party for the first visit. THAT would be awesome.

So far, the 2 prospects this month STILL have not been authorized, so we have a shot.

I know some people do not like adoption parties because they feel like you're going to an auction where children are "on sale" to the highest bidder.

I can see where they feel that way...I mean, you're not allowed to speak to them regarding adoption unless they bring it up, so what else are you supposed to talk about? It's hard finding the "opening line".

But, it DOES kind of seem contradictory to be breaking the ice with these children...to whom you are TOTAL strangers, and then try to educate them to NOT talk to strangers when they're in your home.

Until Tonight,
Storm