Open Hearts

      
     

         I've realized recently that many people that read are blog are still unsure of what type of adoption we are pursuing. The agency we are working through primarily works with expectant mothers, so this means are child will be a newborn. This also means there will most likely be a certain level of openness between ourselves and the birth family. Several of our friends have responded in different ways to this news. Some have responded with understanding because they know others that have adopted domestically and are in similar situations. Others have responded with shock, confusion and even anger. I understand this reaction is due to the fact that you care about us and don't want us to get hurt or go through any more trials. Let me attempt to ease your concerns.
        Open adoption falls on a wide spectrum. This could include exchanging letters and pictures from time to time through our agency, mailing letters directly, phone calls, or even meeting from time to time. I know people that have adopted recently with limited contact and others that have become good friends with their child's birth family. We have no idea what our situation will look like, beyond the fact that we have agreed to openness. We are not afraid, and we trust that God is leading us into a situation that is best for our child. My prayer is always that our relationship with our child's birth family will lead them closer to the Lord because I know that's what adoption is doing for us. We have friends that recently adopted and chose to name their little girl Melah, which means "loved by many". This is my heart's desire for our baby, that they will know that kind of love.
         We are also open to all races of children. I understand many people wouldn't be, and I know they probably have valid reasons for setting limitations. We also know this could result in challenges that we wouldn't otherwise face. Matt and I sense God empowering us to face these challenges. When God sought us out and chose us to be adopted into his family, he made no distinctions. We feel called to operate in a similar way. We care about the hearts of the children we encounter in this journey, not the color of their skin. We are also blessed to come from a family where adoption is not a foreign concept, and to live in a place with so much diversity. These are all contributing factors in our choice to be open.
        In the next few weeks we will be going through a series of interviews, so we would appreciate your prayers as we fully step into the adoption process. We also ask that you pray for us in this state of openness, that we will be lead by the Holy Spirit and not by any fears we might have.

Determined to trust,
      Kristin