"Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear." --Palaptine

Okay, so maybe Elizabeth and Gavin are not quite on the payroll of the Federation. But, they are both a part of the bigger picture. They are my family and Heather and I are planning to expand the family as soon as possible. For those who don't know, we are trying to adopt a little sissy for Gavin. Currently, we are taking classes so that we will know what to expect. Yesterday, we got the first real glimpse of the bureaucracy that comes from adopting a child that is in the state's custody. We received a packet of forms that measures a little over an inch think and seems to be close to 100 pages. (It may not be that much, but it sure does seem like it). These documents really do get into your kool-aid. They want to know precise family details (height, weight, health). They ask to describe my childhood and how I thought my parents did in raising and nurturing me. The papers ask how I got a long with my brothers and other family members then and now. Also, it wants us to list and describe the children that we are close with. DHS wants at least 4 reference letters that is about 2 pages long worth of questions. We had to complete a survey about 15 pages that deals with what we will or will not accept in an adoption placement of a child. Of course, the forms also ask for how Heather and I are and how we raise/nurture Gavin. They want to know what insurances we have, how much income we have, and every place we ever lived. I'm surprised that there isn't a question asking when was the last time I wiped my nose.

Believe me. I understand the process and the reasons behind it. DHS wants to place a child in a safe and loving home. They can't just take people's word anymore. There are too many crooks and cheaters in this world. It's bureaucracy at it's best. "Fill out these forms in triplicate." I'm okay with that. Heck, I've worked on Medicare contracts. I don't believe anything will be as bad as dealing with Medicare.

Somewhere, Gavin's little sissy is waiting. Gavin is excited. Heather and I are excited yet nervous. There's a lot I would like to do before a new child comes home (like clean the garage). Until then, please join my in praying for this child that will come home. Thank you all for your support. May the force be with you (and I wish I could do the Jedi mind trick on the folks at DHS. Unfortunately, they are like Watto "You think you're some kind of Jedi, waving your hand around like that? I'm a Toydarian, mind tricks don't work on me. Only money.")