National Adoption Month

November has been designated as National Adoption Month.  If you know me at all, you know that adoption has a special place in our family and in my heart.  You will also know that I am burdened by the THOUSANDS of children in China waiting to be adopted.  I know that there are orphans in EVERY country, and they are no less important!  But just like missionaries are often drawn to and burdened for a particular people group or country, I find that is often the case for orphan advocates as well.  That being said, China has my heart.  

Choosing only 30 of my sweet kiddos to post this month may be difficult.  So I ask for forgiveness in advance if I sneak in a couple extra posts here and there.  

Most of the children that I advocate for are currently with our adoption agency, WACAP.  Some are now on the "shared list."  In the China program, there are currently 1,924 children waiting on this list.  This means that they have had their paperwork completed to be eligible for adoption and can be chosen by any agency.  Although that is a HUGE number of children, it is merely a small fraction of the orphans in China.  Some have their files waiting with a specific agency.  Some have families working to bring them home.  And yet others still wait to be deemed worthy enough for their orphanage to even prepare their files for adoption.  That is heartbreaking to me as EVERY child, regardless of their special need, deserves the chance to have a family.  

Probably the one thing that surprises people most about our adoption with Mycah was that he was a BOY.  Not only are there boys waiting to be adopted in China, but approximately 75% of the children waiting on the shared list are boys!  This video sums up my feelings about how AWESOME boys are...even the older ones.  

Another thing many people do not know about adoption from China is that children "age out" at 14 years old.  I wrote a post about that a while back.  You can read more about that here.  


So if you only check in on my blog for Mycah updates, you may be a bit disappointed in the posts to follow.  But my hope is that you will see these children as the amazing gifts that God created them to be.  Perhaps you will pray for them.  Perhaps you will donate to support an organization that cares for them.  Or perhaps you will realize that they were the piece in your family that you did not even realize was missing!  

Dear China Mommy...

Even though it has been 6 years, I can imagine that this October day does not pass easily.  My heart is heavy for all that was lost on that day, knowing that it was for our son's own benefit that you chose to do what no mother should ever have to even consider.  It is such a broken world.  It grieves me that you will probably never know where he is or how he is doing.  But if I could tell you, here are some things I would want you to know.  

He is still adorable.  Really...I think the picture says it all.  I can say that because I am not responsible in the least.  :-) He must have some awesome DNA!  

He loves to sing!  Although I am not thinking that he will ever get paid to do so, he definitely makes a joyful noise!  

He is kind!  He is always willing to share what he has, even if it means he is giving up something he likes in order to give it to you.  

He is also stubborn!  Although sometimes a negative trait at this age, I am thinking that may serve him well in the future.  I pray that God will give me wisdom in helping mold him in this area! 

He is well-liked!  EVERY.SINGLE.DAY there are neighborhood boys knocking on our door wanting him to come and play.  He plays well with everyone.  Although he will be quick to let you know that if you are only 2 then he cannot be your friend.  He is 6 after all?

               

He is quite an eater!!  I still haven't found a food he does not eat.  He even eats bread now...which was not a favorite early on.

He is very athletic!  He is one of those kids who is good at it without even trying.  Football is his favorite, followed closely by baseball.  And tennis is also a favorite...which cracks me up since he has never even held a racquet!  

           

He is smart!  Not only is he doing well with his new spoken language, but he is learning to read and write.  He is *almost* caught up with his peers in most areas.  

He is healthy!  His medical needs are being met and he is living life to the fullest thanks to modern medicine.  By God's grace, he will grow properly and be able to function in life when he grows up without living in fear of an adrenal crisis.  

He is loved desperately by me.  Although I did not have the joy of carrying him in my belly as you did, my love for him is fierce and steadfast.  I am humbled that I have somehow been chosen to be his forever mommy.  

And mostly, he is learning about a heavenly Father who loves him more than you or I could ever fathom.  And He loves you, too.  

Even though I am the one who has the privilege of tucking him in at night now, I never forget to tell him that you love him very much.  Because even though there are a thousand unknowns in his little life story, that is one thing I am sure of!  Only a mother's love could walk the road that you chose.  


Thank you, China Mommy...for choosing life.  Twice.