Adopting Children??

[LifeInYou]

What do y'all think about adopting children?  I guess I just wish that more people out there would have the heart to do it as much as I do.  Growing up I attended 7 different schools and I lived in 8 different households.  Now don't get me wrong I wasn't a bad child-I played sports, got A's and B's, went to church, was in A.S.B, won various awards and so forth...the reason I was put in so many different homes was because my mom got divorced twice, and when I was twelve she had a mental breakdown(Schizophrenia).  The only thing I wanted as I was going though adolescence is to belong to a family, just to be loved and accepted by someone.  I truly believe that God allowed me to go through that situation because someday there will be a child out there for me to "rescue" and love.  I'm talking about the kind of love that is no different than the love you give your own children. I think what people overlook so often is the fact that, if you adopt, you may have other children of your own to care for, but to the adopted child, you are the only person they have to love and look up to. 

Today, I know I want to adopt so much that I don't even want to have my own children. There are so many children out there who need homes!!

 

[Evening Mist]

Lifeinyou -- You seem wonderful!

My sister is adopted. As are 2 of my cousins. It has been a happy experience for me.

My husband and I have talked often about adopting when we feel ready for another child.

Many adoptive parents are very choosy about what sort of child. When my parents were going thought approval process they had to take kind of class. None else in the class would consider adopting a biracial child. It was so sad.

I think it is important to remember that we don't get to choose our children. God does that. It is important to consider loving a child who has special needs.

 

[Malachi383]

A family that I am close with has adopted 2 children. 5 years ago, when they already had 2 boys, one aged 12, one aged 14, they adopted a 3 year old Romanian boy. They were receiving lots of different info and pictures and videos and such. They day they received the information about this boy, her (the mother) gold holy family cross turned gold. They adopted him, and he had some serious attitude issues, always throwing temper tantrums and such. They tried to adopt his sister, 2 years older, at the same time, but couldnt because the mother wouldnt release custody on her. The mother was in prison. This kid threw temper tantrums like no other. And now he is the sweetest 8 year old you will ever meet. He is respectful and loving. All he needed was love. It was love that broke his attitude, love that changed his life.

So 2 years ago, they decided to adopt another. They tried for Timmy's sister but she still wasnt available. They looked at a few other places, and after much prayer, got an 8 year old Chinese Girl. She was very quiet and shy. To teach her English, they gave her and Timmy two-way radios. This way they could play, but also it would help teach her english. It worked really well. She too is now loving and respectful.

I think adoption is great. It is an act of love. And with all the abandoned and neglected children in this world, it is sadly needed.

 

[Rondabear]

I also think adoption is great. We have dicussed adoption many times right now I know it would probabley not be an option due to my husbands waiting for a heart transplant but maybe someday in the future. We have one son who is 5. I have a friend who adopted 2 girls from India. There are so many children out there who just need that chance to be loved and have a family.

 

[Akan]

 

I think that would be wonderful and more importantly, pleasing to God.  The need is so great.  Somewhere in the Bible (sorry, don't remember where), it states that children are a gift from God; if someone else was not able to nuture and take care of one of God's gift, then we should step in (if possible).  (Galatians 6:12) I have thought about adoption, but am now divorced.  I'm sure with much prayer, God will help your family to make the right decision.

 

[OracleX]

Adpotion is like our version of salvation. I was adopted when I was 5. My parents adopted me by choice. I was not a mistake for them. The payed the cost and went throught all that it took to adopt me. They saved me from five years of abuse and terrible things. They loved me and brought me up as best as they could. Now today I am living a 'normal' life raising my own family. Our daughter is just over two right now but in a couple years when she gets a bit older we are planning to adopt a five year old boy and continue the cycle.

Adoption is a great thing if you can do it. My testimony talks alot about it and the parallels to salvation. It might be a good read for anyone planning to adopt.

http://www.christianforums.com/threads/35033.html