|
Sharon and Jenn,
I have had the opportunity to bring an adopted child into my family of four biological children. It has been absolutely wonderful. There has been no more or less 'sibling rivalry' than when my children were born biologically. My kids love their little sister, just as they love one another. How she came to be in our family does not seem to be an issue. Will she have issues of loss and grief as she grows older? Possibly...and we are prepared to deal with those when they occur. But for now, all I can say is that I highly recommend international adoption.
As for the need for homes...it may not be as great as you think, especially for babies. You most likely will find there is a wait for a referral. But it is certainly nothing compared to the wait for a healthy white newborn that you find in the US. We adopted from Guatemala. We waited about 3 months for a referral. Our daughter was 4.5 months old when she came home. Does she look different from us? A little bit. All of my kids have brown hair and eyes...as does Isabella. She pretty much fits in with our family...and I don't think that most people question about whether she is adopted. If they do, they usually ask. It's never a big deal. We are proud of the country of our daugther's birth.
I know of others who have questioned whether they should take a baby from a couple unable to have children of their own. My feeling is that if everyone who currently adopts, who already has children, or is able to have biological child, if we all stopped and did not adopt...then I think there would be lots of children who end up without a home. That would be very very sad.
If you want to adopt...go for it. There are loads of little children who need homes. It is a fantastic way to bring a child into your family.
Becky
mom to 5
including Isabella Grace
born in Guatemala City 3/6
Home to Atlanta 7/20
|