Help and Hope For Adoptive Families

Posted on March 30, 2011 
Filed Under Fathering, Focus on the Family Broadcast, Orphan Care, Parenting, Personal

I’ve shared before about our youngest child, adopted from Russia when he was just nine months old. We’re approaching the seventh anniversary of his “gotcha date,” and we’re so glad Zane is part of our family. The journey hasn’t exactly been easy, however. Most adoptive families struggle with something…from emotional complexities to learning difficulties to physical challenges. We seem to be dealing with every one of those concerns. Fortunately, we have found many helpful resources and experts along the way.

At a banquet a few months ago for a ministry that helps orphans, I sat near a dynamic woman with a huge heart for orphans and adopted children. She is enthusiastic, energetic, and insightful! And she’s our guest on this Focus on the Family radio program. Debi Grebenik offers encouragement and guidance that every adoptive parent should hear. Debi will help you better empathize with the unique difficulties your child is experiencing, allowing him or her – and your entire family – to thrive.

There’s also a book about adoption worth noting. Several friends contributed chapters to Handbook on Thriving As an Adoptive Family: Real-Life Solutions to Common Challenges. It is an excellent read, with multiple aspects of adoption addressed with firsthand insight.

Related, if you have a heart for orphans and adopted kids, there’s a terrific event you need to know about sponsored by my friends at Christian Alliance For Orphans. This annual conference has become a national hub for Christians committed to adoption, foster care and global orphan initiatives rooted in the local church. This year it is May 12-13 at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. With more than 75 workshops & unforgettable speakers and music, you’ll find passionate, caring folks and lots of great advice. I highly recommend Summit!

Comments

4 Responses to “Help and Hope For Adoptive Families”

  1. Jenny on April 1st, 2011 10:51 am

    Excellent entry!
    My family is in the process of adopting a special needs child from Eastern Europe. My husband and I see a HUGE gap in today’s churches when it comes to orphan care. Thank you for shedding some light on adoption and putting it in the forefront of our minds!
    Blessings on you!

  2. Lesley on April 1st, 2011 12:06 pm

    As parents of two girls adopted from foster care at the ages of 11/13, I found your broadcast refreshing yesterday! So often those advocating for adoption pull on heart strings and avoid discussing the difficulties. The answer yesterday was perfect to the question”wow, this sounds like a tough thing to do. Maybe I shouldn’t adopt.” You all responded that as believers, we aren’t called to an “easy” life. Suffering is part of the deal. We tell those looking at older child adoption that they must realize that God equips those whom He calls. Adoption was a calling for us, no doubt.

    Having been raised in a very normal family, as the oldest (and very compliant) child, I encountered situations with my children that I could never have imagined. They are now young adults, still battling the demons of their early abuse. However, I am continually amazed at how God equips me along each step. I am saddened by believers who don’t understand our journey and think it should be avoided because it involves pain.

    And, I keep in mind that each day is a new chapter. The book is not yet complete!

  3. Wendy Hagen on April 6th, 2011 9:38 pm

    Yay for adoption! Such a beautiful thing.
    We were in the middle of adopting from the Philippines when our surprise child showed up in my womb.
    If I can sanely handle another child, we will be adopting in the future.
    I’m gonna say a prayer for you and your Zane right now.

  4. Cindy on April 7th, 2011 9:08 am

    We adopted my son from Russia nine years ago. He was two and a half at the time. Next Saturday, it will be nine years since we first saw his face. It was love at first sight. “He wasn’t born under my heart, but in it”

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