I've wanted to adopt since I was fourteen. I had spent some time at an orphanage in Mexico, read books on young ladies in unwed mother's homes and decided I would eventually adopt. Of course, at that time I had no way of knowing I would be married for 15 years without conceiving.
We work extensively with teenagers and children from various states in the nation (we minister, have an internship program for teens and adults, and use a lot of drama in our profession). Anyway, we've been approached by four different young ladies since 1998 that found themselves in an unplanned pregnancy and wanted us to adopt their child.
The first time, the baby went home with us from the hospital. The adoption was contested by the birthmother, but the child was deserted and continued to stay in our care for several weeks before the biological father intervened.. She's now almost four and three different states are continuing to fight over jurisdiction.
The second one decided in her last trimester to parent.
The third had just turned 14 when we met with her and her family. She was meeting with a counselor. The baby ended up going to the counselor's friend's daughter.
...Which brings us to our current and fourth birthmother. We've known this young lady and her family for many years. When she first asked us about adopting this child, we declined. Upon further prayer and discussion with her and her family, we agreed. The baby is due in January.
This will be the first situation in which an agency is involved. I'm very grateful for the extensive counseling the birthmother is currently receiving.
I'll be glad to answer questions or have you "pick my brain" if you so choose.
Again, what a great profession... helping people become families!
Best wishes!
Addielee