The Blessing of an Adoption Community

20
Aug

We are blessed to be a part of a church community where adoption is “normal." Many of our closest friends are adoptive parents. When we first began our adoption journey, we had no idea how fortunate we were to have such a huge network of experienced adoptive parents to gain insight from. But now that we are a year into parenting, and in the second round of adopting, we are so thankful!

As with any stage of life, you tend to gravitate towards those who share similar experiences because of your ability to connect in terms of joys, struggles, etc. This is no different for adoption. It is so important to be able to connect with those who understand the waiting, paperwork, transitioning, the language barrier, questions from strangers, etc. The adoption forum available to MLJ clients is one great way to gain this community, but having it in your backyard is an incredible blessing!

In the past year, 15 children from the DRC have arrived in our community and there are several families currently waiting for children. Almost all of these families participate in gatherings (where the total head count is over 50!) for fellowship, encouragement, and celebrating the beauty of adoption. It has also been a wonderful way to allow the children to stay connected to Congo, their birth country.

I would encourage all parents who have adopted or are in the process of adopting to find fellowship with others who have been through similar hoops, transitions, etc. Though your experience isn’t going to be the same as any one other family’s experience, I assure you you’ll find much encouragement in knowing that other moms and dads have gone through a similar language battle, food battle, attachment issue or discipline struggle. And don’t forget to share in the joys and laughs too (and laugh at your struggles when it’s appropriate)!

For more information about MLJ Adoptions’ international adoption programs, please click here.

MLJ Adoptions is a Non-Profit, Hague-Accredited adoption service provider located in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Isles. We are passionate about serving children in need.