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Elaine

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Posts posted by Elaine

  4. The Welcome Wagon!

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Oh, I hope you guys will go to Orientation. Not only is it super informative, but you will have a blast and make some life long friends.

    I have thought many times..."wish I could go back!". We would love to adopt again. Maybe in a few years...we'll see!

  6. INQUIRY

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Tracey,

    I am grinning from ear to ear for you! Isn't it exciting? Abrazo's saying is it's "not if, but when" and they mean it!!!

    We have plans this weekend already, but after that we are free! We would love to meet you in person too.

    Lots of folks read more at the beginning and post less. Whatever works for you! The forum is a wealth of information. Soak it up. But let me say...everyone is anxious to get to know you and help answer questions you may have. So post when you feel comfortable.

    Welcome! It really is like a big family.

    Love,

    E

    p.s. Have you checked out the gallery??? What about all of those GORGEOUS kids!!!!

  7. International Adopters: Looking for a Shortcut?

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Mick and I really thought we would adopt from China. It was never to avoid open adoption (as I had never even heard of open adoption). We just felt like that was where God wanted us to go. It hurts me how in China they place such low value on their females. And I also thought bringing a child out of a communist country would be wonderful.

    When we decided to send our application into Abrazo it was b/c God really spoke to my heart. It just felt like a good fit. I am thankful every day that we went with our hearts!

    It makes me very sad to know that some go overseas to avoid birthparents! That is crazy to me!!! I hope some are going overseas b/c of their heart and not to avoid their child's birthfamily. <_<

  8. INQUIRY

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Excited and Nervous, Mailing our Adoption Inquiry today!

    YAY, TRACEB!!!! I am sooo excited for you. We have got to get together!!! I enjoyed talking to ya on the phone, but I want to meet you in person.

    Hope to see you soon.

    Hugs,

    Elaine

  9. Managing Adoption Expenses

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    I don't plan on telling my child that there were adoption fees unless they point blank ask. I am like every other adoptive Mother...each of my children are priceless. You can not put a price on their head. Whatever fee I paid in no way determines their value. To be honest...I don't even know exactly what fee we paid for Makayla. It is something I do not dwell on.

    And I do not want her to dwell on it either.

    sidenote: Angel being a foster child became ours with virtually no fees (minus the attorney we hired trying to expedite the process). If "price" in the minds of some is directly related to the child's value....then what would that say to our precious Angel?

  23. Picking & Choosing

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    I know first hand the fear that adopting a toddler/preschooler can evoke. There are similarities and differences between adopting children of any age. I think every parent has some trepidation when adding to their family regardless of the circumstances. I don't think fear should rule your heart or head. Many things in life we would not attempt or prevail over if we let fear paralyze our lives.

    Through all of the valleys and peaks I can say that our family feels blessed that God sent Angel to be our daughter. Things have not always been pleasant...things have not always been easy, but then again...things are never easy when raising and loving any child. There have been peaks and valleys with parenting Makayla as well. That in no way means that I regret being mother to our two little girls. Given the oppurtunity to do it all over again(adopting a newborn and adopting a 3 year old) ...I wouldn't do it any differently.

    Most things in life worth doing are a challenge. Parenting is no different. God has a plan for every child and every family. Every child DOES deserve a family. This little boy's birthmom is making the hardest decision of her life. She believes in Abrazo and their wonderful adoptive families enough to entrust them (possibly YOU) with her beloved son. Whenever you worry about the risk you may be taking by adopting an older child...just think how much of a risk his birthmother must feel like she is taking!!!

    I know the feelings some of you are having...you are scared, you are unsure- is this the child that God wants our family to have, can we love a child that is not a baby, how will our other child(ren) react to a new child, can we bond, etc. I have been there...done that!

    Your concerms are valid! I understand them. I also understand you can still be "Mom" or "Dad" to this child even though he is 3 years old. Will it be different from adopting a newborn..yes in some ways. It didn't take long for me to realize that Angel's "number" (age) might be "3" but she really is not that far out of babyhood herself. She still loves to rock, cuddle, be read to, be carried, etc. She wants to feel safe, play, learn, explore, and be loved...just like Makayla.

    If your heart is open to adopting this boy, please pray about this decision and ask God for guidance. Like Elizabeth has said before...how many people have passed up or nearly passed up "the child of their dreams" because it didn't look like the child of their dreams on paper. When I let that thought sink in it gives me chills. It really is a very sobering thought!

    I hope this boy will get the family of his dreams and the family of his birthmother's dreams. I pray one of our waiting families will come forward and take a leap of faith. In adoption many times we do have to walk by faith and not by sight.

    Praying for all involved!

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