Accepting any child... the views of our children.

Although our children are young, we have made the decision to adopt as a family. Our kids have been involved in every step of the process. The same was they were involved in helping to decide the name of our youngest biological child. We believe they will be more accepting of their new siblings if we allow their voices to be heard throughout the process. 

We like to look at the waiting children in our surrounding states, and today we discovered a sibling group that appears perfect for our family (as far as age is concerned). We have already discussed that we are open to adopt children of any race. We feel if they are meant to be a part of our family, their nationality will not be a deterrent. Kaitlyn was sitting next to me as I was looking at the kids (who were  African American), and she said mom, I would love to adopt them. They are so cute! We asked her if she would be happy of they were a part of our family, and she said "yes. We can have people of every color skin as part of our family. Dad has red skin, and the rest of us are white." I thought to myself that I am lucky to have such an amazing child. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. I have succeeded in teaching at least this one lesson. It does not matter what a person looks like on the outside... We will treat everyone the same. I am so happy that my kids are so accepting, and I cannot wait to see where this journey will lead us :)

A Journey led by Faith.... Adoption!

I haven't always been a faithful person. In fact, there was a time in my life where I thought I could do everything on my own. I willingly admit now that I was wrong! I know that I have The Lord on my side. 

When I was only 18 years old, I was told that I could never have children. I have always loved kids, and being a mother was my dream. I always knew I would be a mother, and I immediately considered adoption. Since I was only 18 and newly married we decided to wait until we were about 21 to start our family. 

Imagine my surprise when just a few short months after I turned 21, I discovered that I was about 2 months pregnant. I was shocked but excited. Thus our journey of parenthood began. We had 3 gorgeous daughters, and we lost a little angel along the way. After my youngest child was born, I was told that I couldn't have any more children without risking my life and the life of my unborn child. Thus adoption came to my mind again.

It is hard to think back and remember a time when I only wanted 2 children. Now here I am with 3, and I long to complete my family by adding even more. I just know in my heart that someone is missing. I do not know yet who this missing child is, but I do not that The Lord will guide us to him/her/them. I long for a son to call my own, but I guess I will have to wait and see how it plays out. 

We have been "in" the process of getting qualified to be foster parents for about 2 weeks now. Most of our initial application is complete. We have passes our medical exams, we have our training scheduled to begin on June 6th, and we get our scans done next week. I am excited to get everything underway. We have purchased a 2nd loft bed (it is camo... any boy would love it), we are converting our den into a bedroom, and we fenced in our backyard. We are almost done with that part of the expenses, but that is only the beginning from what I hear. I am already starting to plan some fund raisers to start our adoption fund, so when the time comes we will be "ready". Well as ready as can be expected.

I am so new to the process that I will happily accept any advice, and I am fine with any opinions you all wish to share. Thanks for following, and please join me in prayer that we will be guided to our children.