1 year ago today

Valentine's Day. 

In the click of an email, our lives changed forever.

What a blessing you are, sweet LuLu Mei.

I will never forget the millisecond I saw her precious face - those soulful eyes, beautiful lips and daddy's hairline, to boot. I knew. My heart sank. I wept silently at my desk. It was such an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity. And we weren't even looking for it!

Our family was "complete". But, you knew differently. Praise the Lord.

How perfect that you appeared in our hearts on Valentine's Day? Meant to be. 

My sweet girl, you are such a hoot! You are beautiful, feisty, smart, loving, funny and ohhhh so playful and rotten. What a gift to watch your growth over the last 3 1/2 months. Your trust, strength and determination are awe inspiring. How blessed we are by your presence, laughter and love. Happy Valentine's Day and 1 year referral anniversary, my forever love.

The question I am most often asked now, "Are you done?". 

Honestly, I would adopt 100 more, if we could. The joy and love that each of my children has brought is beyond immeasurable. To the moon and back, doesn't seem enough.

Every child deserves a family. An institution or foster care, no matter how loving, is not a substitute for a forever family. 

In many regards, international adoption is failing. All too often, the process is marred by greed and corruption. Countries are shutting down (and perhaps rightfully so)...but, the plight of these precious children still exists. Our world is experiencing the highest level of need ever, yet the fewest adoptions in 15 years.

Adoption is expensive. The paperwork is time-consuming, invasive and overwhelming. The process overall is complicated, and not for the faint of heart. The children often carry institutional behaviors for years, if not forever, and many are considered "special needs". I understand it's scary. 

But, and it's a biggie, there are millions, an estimated 147+ million children worldwide, who need families. The latest statistic (U.S. Department of State) indicates only 8,668 international adoptions were completed in 2012. A measly .00005% found forever families in the U.S. There are also 104,000 children in U.S. foster care waiting to be adopted.

What gives?

I promise you, these kiddos will change you, challenge you and make you a better person. The experience will change your life, and your family's lives, forever. You will never be the same, and you'll be eternally grateful for it. You'll want to share the joy. You'll want to spread the word. You'll want to help those children left behind. Everyone should have the honor and privilege of adding to their family through the miracle of adoption.

I read a wonderful quote recently, "Blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood".

How blessed we are. How true it is.

I often wonder, why doesn't everyone adopt? I don't get it. 

Money is an obstacle, I get that. 

Unfamiliarity and fear of the process, I get that too. 

But, how can you place a dollar value or fear of paperwork on a child's life? A beautiful, innocent, precious child. 

These kiddos need families. More and more, I am consumed by that need. I have seen the impact. Nothing short of miraculous. Love changes lives.  

Adoption is a leap of faith, and it's not easy. I'll be honest, it's likely the toughest thing you'll ever do. But, it'll also be the most rewarding. 

It's life-changing, for everyone. People comment how "lucky" our children are. Folks, we are the lucky ones.

So, are we done?

Ohhhhh, how I long to journey again. It's often a daily struggle.  

But, our family is complete. It really, truly is. For that, I am grateful and blessed.  

We want to focus on our children, our family, and building the best life possible with each child individually, and collectively. 

My energy is shifting more to adoption advocacy. There is simply nothing I am more passionate about. My "work" is not done. I can't save them all. But, I can make a difference.

Please. From the bottom of my heart, please consider adoption or assisting orphans in some way. Don't allow the process or expense or fear of the unknown deter you. I promise, you can do it!

Life is choices, and adoption is a great one! In 12 months, you could be spending Valentine's Day with the most precious gift God ever created. 

Choose adoption. Choose love. Choose family.

Happy Valentine's Day!