Adoption

Adoption has been on my mind the last couple of days. I know of a family who is ready to give six children a place to call home. They come from a more than stressful family life.To be honest I don't know all the details. Just the ages. My compassion has many time wanted to adopt a child. It is something I think about on a consistent basis even when I don't know of children who need a home. I have even made a list of things that I feel our family would need to have in order before going through the process. While it is significant, it isn't unimaginable. I love children! I work with my own children as well as 12 amazing preschooler each week in a preschool. I do have anxiety about going through with this thought process. I have heard so many adoptions that have been rough. I am not unaware that it is a huge transition for the family. As well, as the child being brought into the family unit. There are many hurdles to jump on the government end. I understand all of that! Yet, my being keeps going back to this idea. I don't think I am ready to turn it into action. My husband is further behind in the thought process than I am. While he is not saying, "no!" He isn't near, "I am ready, either." The list I have made helps me keep things in perspective. I want for our own children's needs to be met before I take on another child's. Yet ,I know we have an abundance to share. Even when we don't think we have enough, we have more than enough. I also, don't know what to do about the spiritual prodding that goes along with this thought process. I know that this effects more than just our family. My mom has told me a number of times that each time you bring a child into the world that it not only effects the family that it is brought into, but all the relationships that the family has. Plus, there may be some individuals in the extended family that may not agree on the discussion. How much should that effect the decision making? I do not know the answer! There are more than enough insecurities to make me scared. It seems arrogant to think I could Mother another persons child? Am I physically and mentally strong enough for such an endeavor? What if some thing goes horribly wrong? What if my marriage isn't strong enough? What if this effects my own children in a negative way? It is a bit like thinking about starting a family! While I have four beautiful children of my own.Very thankful for each of them. The thought process is much the same before we thought about bringing the first one into this world. Is one ever completely confident in adoption. It's emotional, spiritual, and physical. My mind was being consumed about this, so I needed a place to spill out my thoughts. So, that my mental energy can be used else where. Maybe this isn't our time for this, but maybe our future holds hearts and hands that could love another child that needs a home and family who would be able to show Christ love. I think that is my real desire! To show another human being that God loves them. - Shan