Thursday, February 7, 2008

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today marks the beginning of a new tradition for our family: the Chinese New Year! I was planning a big Chinese feast, and was going to make a few Asian inspired creations for dinner with some new recipes I've been saving. But a virus way-laid my plans and I have to roast the turkey that's been thawing in my fridge. So, we'll celebrate the Chinese holiday with a very American feast! Maybe I'll glaze the turkey with an orange teriyaki sauce for some Asian flair.

I'm very happy to share with you all today an exciting update in our adoption process. The following includes some excerpts of a letter we sent to our family informing them of our news.
We have decided to pursue a special needs adoption through our agency, Living Hope. While the term "special needs" may sound pretty scary, we have actually felt an increase of compassion towards these little ones and feel the Lord tugging our hearts in that direction. We've been considering this direction since late last summer and actually received the application/informational packet in October. (I know, you are all shocked that I kept it quiet so long, aren't you?!) Since then, we've been praying, talking, and researching information about the conditions that these children are facing. What we're finding is that some of the "special" needs these children have really aren't that scary at all. Especially when we compare those needs to the alternative of a precious child spending the rest of her life in an orphanage or foster home without the love of a family who will be hers forever.

After consulting with our agency, the International Adoption Program Docs at CHOP, and friends who have been through the adoption process, we've decided as a family to go ahead and put our names on the "waiting child" list (China's way of designating orphans who have special needs). This doesn't take us off the track (regular, non-special needs) that we've been on for 2 years, it simply offers a secondary "track" through which the Lord may bring us our Aidan. There are many changes happening in China's Waiting Child program, some of which were announced just this week.

There are several reasons why we feel strongly about moving in this direction. First, and quite frankly, it will most likely bring Aidan home sooner. We've been praying for 2 years that the process would move swiftly and we feel like this decision aligns well with that prayer. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, we see this step as an unfolding of God's will for us that we were unable to see when we started the process. We didn't set out to adopt a special needs child but as we've tried to listen for and obey His voice, it's been pretty thrilling to see the ways He's confirmed our steps and encouraged us along the way - in all areas of this adoption, not just in this decision. Thirdly, we are part of a hospital community that offers the best pediatric care in the country and that is internationally known for its expertise on many of the conditions we are considering. This, too, may be part of that unfolding of His plan.

So please pray with us. We need continued wisdom for the decisions we will be facing as the process continues. We need continued financial provision, especially in light of the fact that this secondary track could move more quickly. Finally, we need prayers for Aidan, for her birth mother, and for the people that will be caring for her until we can claim her as our daughter. Thank you all who have already begun praying for these things. Your support has been priceless and we feel so encouraged by it!

8 comments:

Livin' Life said...

I will be praying!! As an ecouragement every time we see the Geraty kids they tell us how they are praying for you guys about adopting a baby from China. I always love it when they tell us!!

MississippiZen said...

Happy New Year to you! I hope your daughter is matched to you soon! We are adopting through the SN China program as well.

Margie

Mrs. C said...

Thanks for the update and for sharing your heart. I will continue to pray for your family in this process.

Jeter's class is actually celebrating the Chinese New Year today. He is so bummed that he is home and not able to join in the fun (stomach virus). He has learned to write his name in chinese and the children were learning a lot about the culture. Their teacher purchased a few dishes for them to try today plus a parent was bringing in special chopsticks for them to learn how to use them. Fun stuff!

Carol said...

Congratulations on a wonderful decision. Our Emily was from LH's sn list so if I can help at all let me know...........

Can't wait to see your referral!!

heidi @ ggip said...

Wow, thank you for sharing this with the blogging community. I wish you the best with this new development. And yes, living near such a great hospital must make a difference in this decision. I am looking forward to hearing more when the time comes.

This Journey of Mine said...

Wow, that's amazing. I'm dying to see how this all unfolds.

The Landes Family said...

Congrats. God has a special place for parents that adopt special need children. All they really need is LOVE. If we ever go back, ours will be a special need child. I can't wait to follow your journey. Maybe she/he will be from Hubei. They sure are a hottie darlin. Kinda partial aren't I. I am very happy for you.

Anonymous said...

If your child comes to you through the SN process, you will never ever regret the day you said "YES" to an angel! :)
Congrats and I hope you hear soon!