Has Anyone Ever Adopted?

K.,
I haven't adopted but I think it's a wonderful to do. I read your early one, and I know you are a little confuse on what steps to take. I would really pray about what to do, I know you said you wanted an American child, and yes, there are a lot of them. I don't know if you've ever heard of Steven Curtis Chapman, but he started a foundation to help people adopt. Its' called Shaohannah's Hopes the link below:
http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer
He has adopted 3 girls from China; anyway, I think it's a great opportunity to adopt; I've even heard parents who have adopted tell the child, we chose you, just one way to let them know how important they are to your life.

My sister is a nurse; her sister in law wasn't in the right place in her life to handle another kid. I know my sister help finding a family for her nephew, so maybe contact hospitals too, they may or may not be able to help give referral places on adoption.

God bless your family!

Hi K., not sure exactly what kind of response you're looking for but my aunt and uncle adopted a little boy. He'll be 4 in January. He's from Siberia in Russia. His name was Igor! Anyway, he's the sweetest, most sensitive, prettiest little boy. Smart too! Blonde hair, blue eyes, and purposely spoiled! He came home the first of December 2005, he was 11 months old. He was young, so they didn't have any trouble getting him used to them really, he was a happy baby. My cousins adopted a little 3 1/2 year old from Russia also, she looks Asian, she's adorable. I don't think she had any trouble getting used to them either. She's spoiled though, she says she's a DIVA at 5 years old!

Hope this helps!

We adopted my son, who will be 4 next month. We went through Hope Cottage- love them!! We walked in there and 6 months later had -a 4 day old baby son at home. It was the easiest, smoothest thing ever. Obviously not all of them go that way, but we have a great story. We did sign up for the minority program- we didn't care what color baby we got. At the time, there were too many babies in the program and not enough parents. It has gone the other way, now- parents-to-be on the waiting list. It is easier, though, in general, to get a non-caucasian child and it's about half the price. Any other questions, just let me know.

My brother and his wife are foster parents in AL. The very first child they were asked to help is still in the home and soon to be "official".

They got baby Savanna when the police found her with her mom's body about a year ago. She is the sweetest baby, loving and such an addition to the family.

She is also of mixed race and some people cannot handle that. Namely my mom.

I admire my brother and SIL. Our Savanna will soon be "official" and we are going to the celebration!

Possibly starting out as foster parents could help you? Best wishes to your family.

K. -
There is an organization called Tapestry that provides support for families that are/have adopted or are considering it. They had a conference last week and have the notebook online where you can review or download it. It includes sections on things to think about when considering adoption, etc. You might look at their website and see if it helps to answer some of your questions, as there are several articles and resources listed. If not, Amy and Michael Monroe are two of the leaders and are very nice. (Our children are in the same class at church.) Their e-mail/contact information is included and I'm sure they'd be willing to help point you in the right direction.

Best wishes,
L.

p.s. I almost forgot to include the website: http://www.irvingbible.org/index.php?id=1573

I have not adopted but my best friend is an adopted child. I know she is eternally grateful for the difficult choice her birth mother must have made.

There are many fine resourses on the internet to help you:
http://www.aboutadoptions.org/
http://www.adoptionnetwork.com/

as for agencies - my BF was adopted through Edna Gladney:
http://www.ednagladney.com/

Good luck to you and God Bless you for wanting to open your home!!!!