Last year when we had already completed pride training and shortly after receiving our approvals from both the Canadian and Russian governments we were advised of additional 80 hours of required training. This was a new requirement handed down by the Russian Government. We didn't know anything such as costs, location, when or structure of training (ie classroom).
Initially we were concerned about the amount of hours. 80 hours!! When were we going to have time to do 2 weeks of training. Since you need approximately 4 - 6 weeks for traveling to and from Russia 3 times we wouldn't have any vacation time left.
About a month before the training started (October 2012) we were asked what weekend we are available. We thought, only 1 weekend of training? That's not so bad, but how does that equal 80 hours? Luckily, the hours we completed in Pride training would account towards this 80 hours. So that took up almost half right there.
We were asked to do homework before the class and we spent two full days (saturday and sunday) with others in our situation learning about Russian adoption. Since we were the guinea pigs, it wasn't the most organized. There was some positive things we did learn. We had doctors who practiced in Russia explain the care Russians would receive and our child. We had a day care worker talk to us about some activities we should try when we meet our child. The were other things, but I don't remember. That's how good it was, that I only remember very little.
The best part, by far, was meeting other people adopting from Russia. There were two couples and a single mom who already went on their first visit to Russia. Their information was invaluable. Talking about what the proposal would look like, the orphanage, meeting your child, travel arrangements, food in Russia, etc. etc. Not only was it nice hearing all this information, it was nice to see people who have met their child already. It made it feel real and made us excited for our future.
Although the adoption process comes with a lot of challenges and obstacles, if it makes me appreciate and become a better parent it will be all worth it. The harder you work at something the more you appreciate.
So don't fear the extra training, it was all good.
Current update: waiting
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