Adoption Month

I am in the minority. I chose to create my family differently that most, or so 'they' say. Well, I guess it's a fact. :)

Adoption takes a leap of faith. It doesn't make logical sense to some. It infuriates others. It hurts people. The 'need' for adoption in the first place puzzles and disturbs. There should never be a need for a child to be separated from their family. Let alone go to a second. (or a third, or even many, in the case of foster placement.)

I'm a second. I'm a first mom to my daughter, but I'm not her first mom.

I was asked for the second time yesterday whether or not I will take Lil M back to her family in China. Yep, those words exactly. And, yes, she does have family there. But we don't know who they are, as I explained, and therefore, if we go back it'll be to learn more about her country of birth.

I digress.

What is really on my heart right now is two-fold. Adoption starts from a place of pain. Regardless of what anyone tells you. There is some kind of pain involved somehow, someday. Reunion shows and blogs will tell you that.

But adoption is also a blessing. I've been blessed. I hope to be a blessing to Lil M. And I hope we can bless others. The same goes with T. She is a blessing to me. She has a past, and it wasn't so rosy. There is pain there. And, I realize I've switched to fostering for a second, but the premise definitely holds. There is pain and there is blessing. My prayer every day is that I am a blessing to my children. That I can help guide them through the pain and through the life they are moving toward.

Adoption connects two families permanently... sometimes continents apart. And sometimes down the road. It also can teach new things if you are willing to be open. Taking that leap of faith was the BEST thing I've ever done. Period.

Blessings and peace.