The Nicest People and the Cutest Kids!

When I moved to this small midwestern city, I think there were two families that had children adopted internationally in the area! Coming from a neighboring state where international adoptions were common (and my brother is Korean as well), I found my new home to be quite "white" (I know that's not PC, but it was very true 20 years ago)!

Today, our little area finds itself in a much different scenario! In 2002, after running into nine families who had children adopted internationally in my town and surrounding communities (their names and phone numbers were written on the back of a deposit slip in my checkbook!), I felt that if God could speak to me he would have said, "Jeanne, I cannot make this any easier--call these people!" So, on a nice summer day in 2002, our little international group met for ice cream in the park. Seven years later, we are still getting together to enjoy the company of families just like ours. We enjoy the fellowship and appreciate the support that is shared throughout the many phases of adoption--beginning, middle, and end (which really is the beginning of parenting and another story!). Our roster currently has around 30 families, 39 adoptees and five cuties waiting to come home!

I think there are a few observations that can be made that are not particularly profound, but they are just there:

1.) The kids just gel! We have often said that they all share a special "something" (most likely their common method of arrival into their families via adoption). They may not see each other much between get togethers; but when they do, it's a little like hangin' with the cousins! There's no need to catch up; we already know each other!

2.) For the most part, people entered international adoption for the simple reason that they wanted to be 'parents'--they did not do this to rescue their child and it was not "Plan B". Mostly, they wanted to be parents and their children needed parents. However, we are not blind to the fact that the fate of everyone's lives would be drastically altered had God not placed His loving hand on all of us.

3.) Once the kids get home, they are simply your child! The 'adoption' was an event in a family's history. After that event, they are simply YOUR child; adoption was how they arrived in your family but it is not their sole identity in the family. Half of our families have blended families (meaning 1/2 have biological children as well as children that were adopted).

4.) I have observed that when visiting with moms and dads over time, many of their conversations about their kids center around parenting! I am incredibly grateful for the members in our group that have reared tax paying, God fearing children already and they willingly share their wisdom with those of us that are a few steps behind them!

If you have ever entertained the idea of adoption, don't let that thought leave you! It's doable, it's affordable and you will be blessed beyond measure ;). For information regarding this awesome group, you many contact me via email (jeannebh65@aol.com).