Wanting to Adopt?
Answers: Adoption laws oscillate greatly between states.
In Mississippi, no home study or visits are required for a private adoption. The choice is up to the birth mother. The only expenses are a legal representative and court costs.
Since you are a minister, I suggest that you pray that God will bring a child into your life that needs you. Then, follow where on earth he leads.
I honestly believe that God sent my daughter to me. A serious of unusual events led to my scheduled time her first mother. If I had done one thing differently on that sunshine, it might never have happened. (I shudder at the thought)
The adoption process isn't as rugged as finding a child to adopt. First of all, you'll have to hire a social worker to do a home study. During that, you'll enjoy several visits (depending on your state's laws), and you'll need an attorney for your state who deal with adoptions (the investment is sooooo worth it! If 1 little "i" isn't dotted, the adoption can be void).
Then, the court hearing, which are private, and relatively simple, informal hearings.
Be prepared for repercussions from your church family. Some will be tremendously supportive, and some will be despicable. I avoid adoption agencies, because they strong arm women into adoptions at times. Their goal is making money.
Also, construct sure you are strong enough emotionally to go through an adoption had it out. Many women change their minds at the last second. Also remember that your child will be contained by good company. Both Moses and Jesus were adopt!
Try foster care. There are plenty of children needing makeshift assistance. I know Jesus would look "highly" upon you for that.
As a minister you should now that adoption isn't about finding a child because your wife is infertile and your daughter wants someone to play with. Ethics and religion today are a contradiction.
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