Requirements? You mean they don't just give you a kid?

I've been researching different adoption agencies, country programs and their requirements. 

That is a ridiculous understatement.  My family does not just casually "read up" on subject matter.  We get obsessed and consumed by research.  I come from a long line of dorks, I guess!  ;) Don't hold it against me!

I found it interesting that each country has its own set of requirements for an adoptive couple.  Some requirements are: age, income, net worth, number of children already in the home, education of the parents, BMI, health problems, depression...

We were completely ruled out of adopting from certain countries by some of these requirements.  I've had to come a long way in my thinking about this.  At first, honestly it didn't bother me because none of the countries we were interested in were affected from first glance.  The more I thought about it and found out the vast numbers of orphans around the world, it frustrated me. Perfectly good, loving families were seeking to adopt only to be disqualified for seemingly unrelated reasons.  Obviously you have to have enough income to care for the child, but how dare "they" decide your standard of living!?!?!? So a child is better left in an institution rather than be adopted by a loving family that might not be able to afford the latest gadgets or fashion item?  Then I came full circle in my thinking and just accepted that each country has reasons for their requirements based on their cultural ideas and past experiences with adoptions.  

We have jumped some initial hurdles in meeting requirements and have another big hurdle ahead. I will be calling the agency we want to work with on Monday to see what all can be included in estimating our assets.  We do not own many large items (and we are fine with that).  Because of that, we don't have much debt either!  Pray with us to have at least $30,000 in positive net worth so we can apply to the Russia program! 

Blessed beyond measure,

Stephanie