Adoption Awareness Month

Today is the last day of November. November is Adoption Awareness Month. I've been mulling over what to write all month. Truth be told, there are times when I don't think about adoption all that much. But then there are times when I think about it all the time. Some days, Logan being adopted is like me having braces on my teeth. I did have braces. I don't now. They did change me, but they didn't define me. It's a good conversation piece, but not who I am. The fact that I HAD braces did change my life in some ways (hey, straight teeth change your self image...I'm just sayin'). Okay, so maybe the braces/adoption is a bad comparison.



Logan was adopted into our family. It's simply how he came to be a part of our family. I hope that as he grows, he doesn't feel like it defines him and he doesn't feel like he has to talk/think about it all the time but that he looks at his adoption with fondness and gratitude.



But, on this last day of Adoption Awareness Month 2010, what do I want you to know about adoption?



*First of all, adoption doesn't have to be a defining moment for a person/family. It's all about how you choose to process it.

*Adoption is not something we are ashamed of. We are PROUD of the way that Logan joined our family. It makes him extra special (in my humble opinion!). And I gladly welcome any questions (when asked appropriately). If I don't feel comfortable answering them, I will tell you so, but please don't be afraid to ask.

*All adoptions are different, just like all families are different. All birthmothers are different. Please don't make assumptions about my son, his birthmother or our family based on an experience you have had or an experience you have heard about or something you dreamed in your mind!

*There are many, many, MANY well-adjusted children who happen to be adopted. Just because someone is adopted, it does not mean that they are destined to be confused or feel like something is "missing" in their life.

*In our life, we did not adopt because of selflessness...it was pure selfishness. We wanted a family. We wanted to be parents. God bless those people who are angels and adopt children as a call to their Christian duty. They are wonderful people. I'm just being honest about my motivation. Please don't feel like "Logan is so lucky..." (other than lucky that I'm an awesome mom and Zeb's an awesome dad...but not lucky because we "saved" him, as some people think - hah!) It IS true that Logan is blessed to be raised in a Christian home. All children who are raised in a Christian home are blessed.



The older Logan gets, the less important his adoption is to me. (I couldn't believe it when the 1 year anniversary of his official adoption came and went and didn't even cross my mind. Important dates are not easily forgotten by me!) Please don't interpret that as disrespect towards him, his birthmother or his adoption. I have nothing but gratitude and love in my heart for Logan's birthmother and I think you pretty much know how crazy I am about my son! It's just that as we experience things, as we grow together, as we watch him learn, as we fall more in love with him each and every day, adoption just happens to be the way we met. There are so many other things that I think about when I think about Logan. And every once in a while, I'll remember his special beginning.



I am so honored, so humbled by the fact that God chose Zeb and I to experience adoption. I've said this before, but I don't believe adoption is a path we would have chosen if we were not led by God to do so. In the midst of all of our grieving, suffering and questioning, God was preparing our hearts for blessings beyond what we could imagine. I am so thankful for that we live in a country where adoption is possible...and yes, thankful for the Adoption Tax Credit :)

So, this past month, adoption has been on my mind more often than usual. I pray that if you are considering adoption, that you seek honest answers and educate yourself on the matter. Or, even if you are not considering adoption, perhaps you will educate yourselves on ways that you can become involved in assisting with adoptions and the care of orphans. For the Glory of God.



"{In love}, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." Praise God for Adoption!