New Movie: Like Dandelion Dust

August 27th, 2010

Coming in September, “Like Dandelion Dust” is a deeply moving story of adoption, according to many reviewers.  The basic plot is that an adoptive family is confronted with the biological parents of their little boy when the biological father is released from jail.  It isn’t an easy, relaxing movie according to what we’ve seen of it.  But, it may be what we all need to be reminded that adoption is not for the faint of heart – as is nearly all parenting!

Learn more about the move by visiting www.likedandeliondust.com or search for it on Google.  Below is the YouTube trailer.

Why Did We Adopt?

August 15th, 2010

Adoption always raises questions in people’s minds.  Sometimes it’s curiosity about how the process works.  Sometimes it’s about the relationship between biological and non-biological parenthood.  For the rest of the summer, I’m going to spend time answering some of these questions.  Some are personal, so, we’ll do our best to present the answers in ways that help others understand that everyone should consider adoption.

This week’s question is a big one – “Why did we adopt?”  Whenever an adoptive parent hears this question, there’s two ways to answer – the idealogical answer or the practical answer.

» Read more: Why Did We Adopt?

IN PERSON: Hear about adoption

July 25th, 2010

Do you attend a church in Wake County? Are you interested in learning more about adoption? We would be interested in coming to speak! Contact us today! We can help with a Sunday morning service, an evening service, a seminar, even a meeting with your leaders!

Must-Read Adoption Article in Christianity Today

July 21st, 2010

Author of Adopted for Life (highly recommend) Dr. Moore shares his story of adopting from overseas and how it is so much bigger than the adoptive parents and the child.  Adoption draws us closer to God, reveals His nature and deepens our walk with Him.  Enjoy this thought-provoking article.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/july/10.18.html

“They are so lucky…”

July 3rd, 2010

There’s a long list of phrases that an adoptive parent hears on a regular basis that can drive you batty.  You hear questions like “Did you meet her real parents?” (We are her real parents, so of course!) or “Are they sisters?” (Well, they have the same mommy and daddy, me and Emily, so, yes, they are sisters).  But, then, there’s the one comment that we’ve heard that may not make us angry, but does make us feel sorry for the person who asked.  ”They are so lucky to have parents like you” or “They are so lucky to have a chance.”  Now, these statements may seem innocent, but they put a bit of unnecessary grandeur on us as the parents.  My wife and I always reply that the truth is, we are the lucky ones – blessed in fact. » Read more: “They are so lucky…”

Wonderful Video Story of Adoption

June 12th, 2010

This video, from Bethany Christian Services, tells an amazing story about adoption.  Enjoy!

Boy or Girl?

June 11th, 2010

Recently, Emily and I started praying about going back on the adoption list with our agency.  We decided it was definitely time to start planning, fundraising, and seeking God’s wisdom.  So far, God has blessed us with two beautiful girls who have been a joy and kept us busy these last two years.

And, since we already have two girls, my lovely wife has asked if we wanted to ask for a boy this time around.  I decided to be all spiritual and say, “Let’s let God decide – boy or girl it’ll be up to him.”  Yes, a statement like that does indeed halt most open communication, so I’ve had to retract it so we could truly discuss the matter.

» Read more: Boy or Girl?

The Fellowship of Adoption

May 31st, 2010

So, over the last years as we’ve built our family through adoption, we’ve noticed several of our friends have decided to do the same thing.  Whether it’s us inspiring each other, or just the fact that we love to hang out with other adoptive families, there’s definitely a fellowship that develops among adoptive families.  We get to share not only parenting stories, but the real life stories of what it means on a daily basis to be adoptive families (and for some of us, multiracial families).

One friend posted this fun list on her facebook page that I think is great for adoptive families to read.  It’s just one of the reminders of how similar our stories are – whether we adopt from other countries like Russia and Ethiopia, or here in the U.S.

» Read more: The Fellowship of Adoption

Guest Views: Reasons to Consider Adoption

May 22nd, 2010

I found a really neat article posted online by a catholic blogger about reasons to consider adoption.  She listed forty, but for simplicity sake, I’ve reduced it to the ones I found most interesting or fun.

REASONS TO CONSIDER ADOPTION:

Kids are natural virtue builders. They are the perfect antidote to self-absorption and an inordinate sense of self, and bring out (sometimes by force) untapped stores of patience and gentleness. Not to mention humility.

They add laughter and affection. Whether it’s the sight of Sarah clad in glittering loungewear and sunglasses, or feeling one of them snuggle close at Mass, children are natural day-brighteners.

» Read more: Guest Views: Reasons to Consider Adoption

The Testimony of Adoption

May 17th, 2010

Today, I heard a lady who said that her friend’s story of adopting was her “Jesus Story.”  Now, many who read this post will understand that – but others won’t.  People who choose to make Jesus Christ the center of their lives often are watching for how that makes a difference – how they can see God’s hand at work in their lives.  This lady apparently felt like the story of adoption she experienced was just such a story.

Once I got over the “awwwww” factor of how sweet it all sounded, I started asking if adoption was my “Jesus Story.”  I think there’s more to it that a simple yes or no.

» Read more: The Testimony of Adoption