Why We are Adopting

It is official:  We are pursuing an international adoption of a special needs child.

Two of the questions we have been getting asked are:  "Why would you adopt?  And why would you want a special needs child? You already have 2  healthy, biological children."   I thought these were reasonable and valid questions to address.

We have been very blessed to have two wonderful, entertaining children,  but at the same time we have wondered if there was someone else "missing from the party".  As Christians,  we are called to serve the widows, orphans, and impoverished of the world.  While not everyone is called to adopt,  we believe it is something that God is leading us to do at this point in our lives.    

The numbers of orphans and abandoned children around the world is a staggering statistic.  Different groups estimate the number of orphans at approximately 15-100 million, depending on ways "orphan" is defined and who is doing the defining.  (To put it into perspective,  New York City has a population of about 19-20 million people).

While we cannot save every child, we are going to try for at least one.  And hopefully,  encourage those of you who are considering adoption to do the same.  (If we can do it,  anyone can!)

After a lot of time, prayer, and discussions,  we have decided this is the right time to pursue special needs adoption.   Why "special needs"?   Well,  for a lot of reasons.

1. We have no interest in having another infant again.   We are open to an older child,  with any luck,  one that is maybe even potty-trained.  Children who are over the age of 2-3 years old are considered "special needs" in some programs.
2. We have a heart for the children that no one else wants. While we are unable to take in a severely disabled child, taking a child with minor, correctable disabilities,  such as cleft lip,  club feet, crossed eyes,  albinism, or mild cerebral palsy seems like a reasonable thing to consider.
3. We are open to adopting a sibling group.  Sibling groups are often considered "special needs" children in many programs.
4. We may be able to "pick our child" off a waiting child list.  If approved,  we would be able to adopt that child.  The idea of picking our child is appealing in a lot of ways.
5. Waiting child/special needs adoptions can move faster than standard adoptions, many times.    
6. One of our daughters would be considered "special needs" if she were in an orphanage because of her heart condition.  Yet,  she has been able to live a very "normal" life.  It breaks my heart to think of the children out there that will never be given a chance at "normal" because of their age or health.

 So,  we welcome your encouragement, tips, and most importantly, prayers as we continue on this journey.  We aren't sure of all the details at this point, but we know that God is in charge.