The waterboarding is over

Overall, it wasn't as bad as we had thought it would be.  The woman came on Sunday evening and then again last night, Tuesday.  Sunday's session was the longest - a lot of interview type questions such as best and worst qualities, etc.  Also plenty of questions about how we were raised and whatnot.  Tuesday's session was only about an hour long and was actually the most helpful.  The woman doing the home study is a contractor for DSS, though she used to be a caseworker there.  This gives us the advantage of hearing the REAL deal instead of things DSS workers have to tell us.  We got more nuts and bolts out of Tuesday's session than through the 2 day training sessions we were required to take.
I think we may have asked her more questions than she asked us.  One thing we asked was what situation these children are typically taken from and why - the answer, neglect.  "Neglect" to me is such a vague term so I asked for an example.  She quickly told me there are a lot of things I probably don't want to know but provided the example when she had a case of a 4 yr old and an 18 month old being left alone for 10 days in an apartment while the mother went to Vegas.  (cue: tears)  So sad.  So crappy.  My heart cries for these kids and others with stories that you can't even make up because it is just so unnatural to "normal" moms and dads.  
We also got the "down and dirty"....literally.  We now have a grocery list that includes bottles of RID (lice shampoo)....lovely.  Also were told that we should bring the child's belongings (if they ever have ANY...again, sad) straight upstairs to the washer and wash on high temperature immediately to kill any potential insects. She said they (the caseworkers) go into homes where these kids live and then immediately to a hotel that they have an arrangement with so they can shower and change clothes before heading home.  She said the caseworkers have "go" bags of clothes in their trunk that they bring along on cases so they can just throw their other clothes away....I mean, you can't even wash (or don't want to even try) to wash away the filth.  
She gave us some questions to ask in the middle of the night (or anytime really) when we get a call for a placement.  Note:  if you take a placement (you can say "no") then that child will likely be with you for the long haul (1-2 yrs) unless the parents get their stuff together before that....(they usually do not).  She told us to ask about medical issues including allergies and any medication.  She told us to ask for detailed information about why the child was removed.  We are to ask if there are siblings and where they are being placed.  If there are family members being considered as caregivers.  So many other questions....(left my list at home)
She also said that we should look around the child's room frequently to see if they are hoarding food.  This is common in neglect cases...they don't know where their next meal is coming from.  Main reason to search is so we can throw away anything that is perishable while preserving their comfort in knowing they have food available.  (sad)  With children that were neglected, you also get kids who either don't eat much or overeat to the point of making themselves sick.  The kids who don't eat much do so because their bodies have shut down that part of their system (digestive) since it was rarely in use.  (think: stomach shrinking to the size of a newborn and getting full quickly)  Other children eat and eat because they are used to eating as much as they can in one sitting - not knowing if there will ever be more.  (sad)
It was a good meeting.  A reality check in some respects and sickening in others.  We did find out we need to complete one more form (shocker) and send them a copy of one more document.  The home study lady should have our report completed by Friday - after that, if all of our paperwork is completed the local DSS office will review and send to Columbia for processing.  Columbia is where our license will be issued - in approx 4-6 weeks.
Oh, fun fact (said in jest)....the local DSS office has a computer system that is synced with Columbia that will show if you are licensed or not.  This means we could get a call for a placement prior to knowing we are actually licensed.  She said early May-ish will be go time....which, based on what we have learned about DSS likely means next weekend.  ;)  (joking!) 
Another thing to note is that we have to sign a confidentiality agreement with DSS for each child placed with us.  This means no pictures (of faces) to post and no details about the child's past.  
The kids are still stoked about it - B says he only wants a boy and Caitlin, of course wants a girl to stay with us.  They are both so good with kids.  I think Luke will be fine with anyone but will probably be a little jealous at first.  He's getting to the age where everything is "mine mine mine!" so sharing will be instrumental.  
I know this road isn't for everyone and a lot of people would be scared away by the heart break and the scenarios we will be facing.  Honestly, after last night...I think our resolve has strengthened.  It's so blatantly obvious that these kids need someone to provide them safety and love.  We aren't perfect parents, we don't think we are saving the world, we don't think this will be easy, we know this is going to be rough, but we also know it's in God's hands and that we are doing the right thing.  Please pray for us - we need encouragement and support more than ever.  :)  


From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. - Luke 12:48