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Originally Posted By Carla

We struggled with the racial decision. For many reasons. We are white and had 2 bio children when we decided to adopt. We originally decided that we would adopt within our own race. We live in a primarily white community. A town about 7 miles away is a little mixed. We had much discussion between ourselves (my husband and myself) concerning all aspects of the decision to adopt across racial lines. We went from deciding to adopt only caucasian, to bi-racial, to race not important, to caucasian, and around and around and around. We accepted a foster placement of a set of black twin girls who were 11 days old and being released from the hospital. We were the last family that they were calling. If we had turned down the placement then they would have most likely been placed in a residential facility. My husband and I both volunteered at such a facility a few years back and didn't think it was the best option for any child. So we decided to take the placement. The girls were 7 weeks premature, drug exposed, and weighed in at a little over 4 pounds each.

By the time their parental rights were terminated they were 18 months old and we were the only family that they had known. We were all so attached by that point that we were family. By that time they were my babies and I couldn't see them anywhere else. And furthermore I couldn't imagine our life without them. I think I could have allowed them to be adopted by another family if they were active Christians, African American, and willing to live right next door to me for the rest of my life. I'm not even sure that would have been enough! We do have hopes of moving to a more diverse area, and are seeking that type of a move. Since my husband is a pastor he needs to find a position first. We are hoping to have moved by the time the girls get to school age (they are 2.5 now).

Good Luck with your decision.

Carla