Getting Un-STUCK

My husband and I attended the documentary STUCK last night. This film is touring the nation on its way to Wash. D.C. as a way to bring awareness of all the orphans who are Stuck in orphanages around the world due to government bureaucracy, and misconceptions about orphans and the process. Having adopted from China, which is one of the better programs, I am amazed at how long the process takes in some countries. The average wait for a child is 33 months. These are the most formative years of a child and they are being neglected.

I was shocked to hear that international adoptions have declined by 60% in the last ten years. This is amazing since there are over Ten Million orphans in the world. We need to put pressure on our legislatures to make the process void of red tape in this country. For example, is it really necessary to have a couple fingerprinted by their local police, the state police and the FBI? And once done, why must it be updated if a couple decides to adopt an additional child?

I was also shocked to learn some of what UNICEF is doing. Just as in our poorly run foster care system, children who could be adopted are waiting because someone mistakenly believes that it is better for the child to remain where they are in hopes that they can stay in their environment. They are advocating that there should be domestic adoption or foster care systems in some of the poorest countries in the world. I'm sorry, but foster care is not a permanent place; it is transitory, and while domestic adoptions would be great, it just doesn't happen.

How does all this information effect Be The One? Well, it makes our advocacy more urgent.
Please consider joining us by praying and donating; helping one more family bring one more child into their forever family.

God is Moving

    I had a great week-end in which I celebrated the birth of two of my sons and my mother's 80th birthday. During this time, God showed me that he wants me to get out and speak to groups about his heart for adoption. I had been stressing about fundraising ideas and realized that I just need to share my story and encourage those God is calling to adopt. It is amazing how when we get on the right path, things get moving.

      So, if your church, women's group, prayer group or any other group you can think of is interested in hearing about the process of adoption or how they can support others who are adopting, I would love to talk to them. Let's start the conversation!

Is Adoption Difficult?

IS ADOPTION DIFFICULT?

When someone asks me if the process of adoption is difficult I say:

No, as long as you don’t mind filling out the same piece of paperwork six times.

No, as long as you don’t mind strangers coming into your home eying your dying plants strangely.

No, as long as you don’t mind routinely mailing your social security number and gross income to anyone who happens to ask for it.

No, as long as you don’t mind having your fingerprints taken by your local police, state police and very friendly federal agents.

No, as long as you don’t mind acquaintances and family asking you strange questions like, “what if he doesn’t want to be adopted?”

No, as long as you don’t mind a caseworker measuring your rooms to see if you have room for 1 more child.

No, as long as you don’t mind writing a 10 page autobiography on your “not so perfect” childhood and your weird relations.

No, as long as you don’t mind a child’s face falling when he realizes he is not on a sleepover.

No, as long as you don’t mind not being able to grocery shop without getting a babysitter and calling it a date.

No, as long as you don’t mind packing scabies medicine and vowing not to eat fresh fruit and vegetables for 2 weeks

            Adoption may not be easy, but it is worth it.

Only a Few Days Left!

   

  There are only a few days left in our 1st fundraiser. If you haven't yet given a donation, will you please consider sending $1.00 for Be The One. 100% of funds received will be given to a family in the process of adopting a child. For those of you who home-school and donate, I'll enter you into a drawing for a years subscription to This Old Schoolhouse. To be eligible, send your donation by April 15th and indicate that you would like to be entered.

     "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11