Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Is it really that easy?

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful and sweet comments on my last post. Yes, John Urban is adorable and truly one-of-a-kind. And I wouldn't trade him for anything.

A few people asked the question-and it's a good question-Is it really that easy? I mean, do you just pick a kid you want to adopt and start the adoption process?

No, that is not how it typically works. Normally you would start by picking a country whose requirements your family meets, sign on with an agency, start your paperwork, then wait for your referral (or the child you are offered).

Some children, however, are considered more difficult to place because of various special needs, and so they are placed in the waiting child category. Waiting children are children with special needs such as fetal alcohol syndrome, albinism, limb deformities, HIV, disabilities, or cleft palate, just to name a few. Waiting children are also older children and sibling groups.

So, to answer the question, the reason we were able to identify a child before we selected an agency is because the little girl in the yellow dress (I'm not allowed to say her name on a public blog) has Down Syndrome, therefore is a waiting child.

Reece's Rainbow , The Shepherd's Crook , The Russian Lighthouse Project and many other organizations work hard to advocate for these children who have a harder time finding families. Also, Rainbowkids (international), AdoptUsKids (domestic), as well as probably any adoption agency can provide a list of waiting kids in need of families. In fact, here are just a couple of randomly picked photos of waiting children. Love at first sight, anyone?




8 comments:

Tim Rovenstine said...

Your blogs assist me in bringing social change to Mexico, where the STATE thinks the BEST for abandoned children is to put in an institution with technicians to feed them, sanitary workers to clean up their mess and doctors to provide for their teeth, virus, physical needs. An orphanage. No adoption laws on the books that are friendly or supportive to get kids into a loving family. They live in an enviroment where there is No relational, or family ties.

Beth said...

Yes, love at first sight, so I made yet another donation to RR...

Breaks my heart to see these dear ones waiting.

Amy said...

Thanks for sharing that info for others! Many people DO believe it is "that easy"!

I wish! :)

Melissa said...

The little girl in the 3rd picture is one of my many RR faves! I wish she was near our Liza... Praying her family finds her.

Kelly said...

I just look at those babies, and I see my Jesus in each darling face!

Will we turn away, or will we reach out our hands and hearts and homes to the King of Kings?

Anonymous said...

you're killing me....can't wait for us to get our "yes". rachel

mom2four said...

Where can I find info about the 3rd darling down??

Anonymous said...

Mom2four- check out reecesrainbow.com other angels- she is under the section of the children hiv+. She is a cutie!!