Adoption: U.S. vs International

Adoption. The receiving of a new life, the giving of hope, the trust in God to extend your family and give life to one of His children when it seems they have been given up on, except by Him. Have you adopted? Do you plan/want to adopt?

I knew from a very early age that adoption would be part of my adult life. How? I wasn't sure but I just knew that I would one day fill my family with an adopted child.

I have had countless self debates over international adoptions versus state side adoptions. I have my views and opinions on both. Either way I would be filling my home with a very special child. Giving hope and a new life to a child who just wants to be loved.

Jay and I recently had a discussion about how many children we would like to have and how we would like to go about this. Jacob just turned 3 in March so we are going to wait another year and half or so to start working on baby Tinsley. We have a 5 year plan and we are hopeful that God has that same 5 year plan for us. We would like to have one more child that is biologically ours. Then adopt a child in a few years, if that is God's plan for us and all the finances and other legalities also fall in this plan.

I would love nothing more than to go on a few mission trips to different third world countries. See the different orphanages and bring home a baby. I know that is not exactly how it works but you understand what I am getting at.

At first, Jay said state side adoption was what he would rather do. He had his reasons and I listened very attentively. I understood. I had some of the reasons for going this route. However, I feel that children who are put into orphanages or foster care in the US have a far greater chance at life, simply surviving than those children in orphanages in third world countries. Maybe I am very "pro" international adoption and a slight bit bias. I just see that children in the US have far greater opportunities just waiting for them. Maybe I am wrong, maybe they don't. It just seems like there are far less opportunities for the children of third world, poverty ridden, disease stricken countries.

I know that if/when the timing is right and God is ready for us to take on this challenge, He will point us in the right direction. It will be His plan, not ours. It will be His will, not ours.

It will be a blessing either way. Not only for our family but for the child as well.