Friday, July 6, 2007

Some Thoughts

I've kept our blog fairly positive up 'til this point but lets face it, at times during this process we have been faced with opinions and stereotyped views that have been very disheartening.

I'm at a loss with how to deal with these things but realize that this is only the beginning of what we will face as we become a family that is 'transracial' and 'different'.

The excitement, love and support we've received has been wonderful. I thank all those that have been there for us and continue to be positive and understand our decisions. You know who you are and we appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

For those who feel concerned that we are not sure what we are 'getting into' by adopting a child from another country...

Yes, we are sure. We would not be doing this if we were not.

Yes, we know it won't be easy at times. We also know it will be wonderful. It will be rewarding, challenging, and a joyful experience - just as parenting both our other children has been and continues to be.

Yes, we want to do this.

Yes, we have thought this through (for over 10 years to be exact including research, long conversations, our homestudy, meetings with social workers and a whole lot of soul searching)

Yes, we are doing this and we are very excited about it. This is our journey to our 3rd child, like a long pregnancy and every bit as important, anticipated and thought out as our other 2 children we've been blessed with. Those that share our excitement - we appreciate you and your thoughts.

To those that do not - if you have any concerns as to whether we are sure what we are doing, call us or talk to us. Understand that we are we and that you are you. This is OUR decision. This is our choice. When we hear negative and questioning comments about the plans we have to expand our loving family, it not only hurts... it makes us feel that you do not recognize that this child will be OURS and she deserves the same love and excited anticipation that any biological child would recieve.

There is no room in this for negativeness.

5 comments:

Laurie said...

Very well put. Even with all the negative comments we've received over the past 3 years, nothing can compare to the joy our daughter has brought us. I'm so thrilled that we are on this journey again and adding another member to our family through adoption. The positives far outweigh the negatives! I'm looking forward in watching your family grow!

Ange said...

Good post. It's hard when people just don't get it. It seems like such an obvious, special thing to the rest of us. It's amazing how different people are. Good luck with everything.

Anonymous said...

Amen! There will always be the negative people out there. It just really stinks when they're family members. Glad you are able to be strong and outspoken on this!

Jill and Jaap said...

Awesome!

Say it sister!

Brandi said...

Hi, I'm Brandi and am adopting from Liberia, West Africa so I very much understand how difficult it is to have negative comments. I just keep thinking what a wonderful picture it is of what God's done for me and I can't imagine ever NOT adopting!

I'm also here with my friend Christie who is just getting ready to send her dossier to Vietnam. She will probably stalk your blog and not comment much though!