Adoption Within the U.S.

After going on our first mission trip to the Philippines this past March, my husband and I decided that we wanted to adopt. We had discussed the option before, but meeting and building relationships with the children at the orphanage really drove it home. We wanted to adopt from the Philippines, specifically from the orphanage we stayed at. We would have adopted any of those children, but we especially fell in love with a little boy who bonded with both myself and my husband.

We couldn't wait to get back to the States to begin our adoption process. We got in contact with an adoption agent while waiting for our plane in Korea, and we were heartbroken to discover that we met all the requirements except two; my husband and I are not over the age of 27, and we've been married less than three years. On top of that, we're not allowed to adopt a child that we have met prior to the adoption process. It really crushed our hearts and put us into a depression that we're just now starting to pull out of.

My husband and I are definitely still wanting to adopt. I guess I'm wanting advice or tips from others who've adopted within the U.S. I've looked into agencies within my state, Indiana, and I like the looks of the Miriam Project and A Bond of Life Adoptions. I'm just curious as to go about initiating the adoption process. Any advice or tips are appreciated!