~Qualifiers~

So, as you read the post below regarding Open Adoption, I know that I need to put in a few qualifiers! So, here you go:

~ Regarding International vs. Domestic Adoption: It's really this simple... There are children all over the world who are in need of a home. Children who don't ask for specific presents for birthdays and holidays... children whose only dream is to be in a home, their home, with someone to call Mommy. Their Mommy. Someone to call their Daddy. And these children exist...Everywhere.
We actually had several reasons for our initial lean towards international adoption, and honestly, we may pursue that somewhere down the line. Ya... way, way down the line. (As our twins have just turned 2 ;o) But the Lord had other plans for building our family at that time. The key is to follow where you are being led, and trust that when making a decision as to 'where' to adopt from... There is no wrong answer! Because, once again... There are children everywhere who need families. And families everywhere who need these children.

~ Regarding adoptions that are 'closed': You know, there are so many families that have adopted children who never know what their birth families look like, including many international adoptions where "openness" isn't even an option. I really believe the main idea is to create an atmosphere of openness within your family. A place where adoption is talked about, in a way that says it's not only 'okay' to talk about it, but in a way that expresses adoption as the gift it is. As the beautiful, natural way to build a family that it is. It is imperative that we create an atmosphere where our children feel safe to express what may be on their hearts. I say "may" because, there are many children who consider adoption issues, well, non-issues. Not every child will have the desire to connect with their birth families. Not every child will look in the mirror and wonder whose nose they have. But there are many who will. And if you don't know, how beautiful is it to be close enough to our children to say things like "I wonder if your birth mom likes peanut butter on her pancakes, too?" How amazing is it to be confident enough in our role, as their mothers, to embrace every part of who our children are. Even if we don't know... Take the time to wonder with them.
If you haven't yet, check out my recommended books link to the left at 'Good Reads'... Eldridge's book 'Twenty Things..." was so enlightening for me... If you have any questions, comments, or need clarification on anything, feel free to comment... ;o)