Later, after our social worker left, I was reading in one of our adoption books. The author said that often when adoption starts in a community, the spirit of God moves and others see the beauty of it, causing them to either take it on for themselves or help those who are extending their families through adoption. This was certainly a factor for us. We have had the opportunity to watch families grow through adoption. We have seen healing in children who were neglected or born addicted. We have seen love fill voids in situations that have previously seemed hopeless. We have seen children bond with their new mom and dad in an amazing way. Witnessing this spoke volumes to Josiah and I, and we are so grateful for the example that has been all around us. The joy and need of adoption has been so evident, and we thank all of you who have been this inspiration to us.
We have also seen that it really does take a village. Many families are much more capable of adoption because of the help and support from those around them. Things as simple as a bag of clothes, a prepared meal, a listening ear, or a thoughtful prayer are all very important pieces of the puzzle. This extension of care has been given to us even in just this stage of preparation. Often my mom cooks us dinner on nights we have meetings, friends babysit our kids when we need to fulfill a doctor visit or an appointment far away, people offer their references, legal assistance, or other skills that they have. So, in a very real way, the miracle of how people pull together to help a life has already happened before our very eyes. The most beautiful thing is that not one of us knows who this child is yet.
Thank you, for being a part of this process with us, we know we need our family and friends each and every day. Thank you for being a part of our miracle, whether you are an incredible example of adoption and love, a support in our home, or a million of the other pieces in between.