Ephesians 1:5 states, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”
I can honestly say that I have learned more about God’s character through our adoption journey than at any other point in my life. Parenting has brought a whole new understanding of the words “unconditional love.” Honestly I never knew how much I could love someone in such a short amount of time. The moment Abby was placed in my arms, my heart was hers for life. DNA was not a factor in our bond as mother and child. I also learned of unconditional love through the actions of Abby’s birthmother. It is only out of pure selflessness and love that someone can make the decision to place her child for adoption. It is the type of love that I will tell Abby about every day of her life.
If you have been touched by adoption, I would love for you to join in celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month! Here are some ways to get involved:
Light a Candle for National Adoption Day
What’s your advice, having been through the whole process, to someone who wants to adopt?
Pray and try to shut out a lot of the negative things you will hear (such as aren’t you worried that she will get taken later on or that she will want her birthmom not you? that kind of thing). I also recommend reading as much as you can! Surprisingly “Adoption for Dummies” is a really good book to start with as it lays out some basics. Adoption Learning Partners is a great online resources that provides online classes on things such as transracial adoption and the grief of an adopted child. Our adoption blog (www.themilleradoptionjourney.blogspot.com) goes through our entire journey if you want to check it out! It is definitely a roller coaster and while we had our share of heartbreak we wouldn’t change it for the world! We are really hoping to start the process again next year!
Jamee, thanks so much for the advice! I’ll definitely have to read more about your story! I think it’s an amazing thing and worth the effort. We’ll just have to see when God picks the right timing 🙂 Good luck to you on getting back on the roller coaster again soon! Can’t wait to hear more as your new story unfolds!
that is very sweet… abby is very blessed to have you. =)
Thanks for the ideas…my German Exchange Sister just adopted…I will send her the links and light a candle!
Thanks for passing the word along Judy!