Thursday, August 28, 2008

Adoption thoughts

Okay, this will be a little of a ranting. Apology upfront.

Most of my friends and family have been really supportive of our adopting. I have also made some new wonderful friends during the process. Thank you!!! We appreciate you.

Some background. I grew up over seas (Poland, India, Lebanon, Greece, and Germany). My parents have four biological children and one adopted from India. I grew up in a family that was multicultural, because of my sister. I would not change it for the world.

Some of our acquaintances have made comments that have left me thinking.

"I have heard some adoption stories that have turned out really badly."
What pressure this must be on an adopted child. I have heard so many wonderful adoption stories. I have also heard countless stories on bio kids that have been not so great :)

"What if they are not healthy?"  
This one I had to laugh.  I am fully expecting to spend a little time in the doctors office.  Luckily, he is a friend of mine.  Wow, I must have misplaced the warranty on my bio kids.  

"Why would you go back to the little kid stage when Andrew will be going to college soon?"
Oops, I guess I missed the memo that real life begins when the kids have moved on.  I really like my kids and their friends.  Yes, they can be naughty, trying, fresh, and just plain spoiled br_ts.  Most of the time though, they are wonderful.  

"What color will they be?"
Not sure, but I can guess.  They WILL be African.  (This one came from a stranger.)

These were just a few.  Most of the people are well meaning.  Most are wrapping their minds around something that we have had a little more time to process.

Last night Jason and I went to a pre-adoptive health seminar.  Dr. Miller went over many of the health situations found in int'l adoptions.  Scary but informative.  The most exciting thing was a couple we met who are also adopting from Ethiopia.  They were really nice.  Right before we were ready to leave... the husband said something about school... I asked what school.  He is a teacher at Andrew's high school.  Small world.  One of God's gifts.  A new friend.

4 comments:

Sparkz said...

Thats so neat you grew up with an adopted sister and that you grew up all over the place! I think I would have liked that!

Gotta love the comments people make about adoption! Sometimes I wonder where they come up with them! ;)

Thanks for all of the posts. I am glad to have thigns slow down a little. I have missed reading your blog! I'll have to e-mail soon!

Tania said...

I LOVE the fact that I have met so many new friends through this adoption. It's an extra blessing for sure.

And those comments are great. I have a post on my blog...."Yes, she will be black". Some people just AMAZE me.

Good luck with your adoption

Lori S said...

It is interesting what people will say--you just have to love them! (Easier said than done!) I've always been a momma bear when it comes to my kids and that includes my two daughters in Ethiopia!!

Shawn Newsome said...

how exciting...I can't wait to see what the Lord has for your family...but I do know that it will be more that you ever dreamed of!!!!