[TerriBB]

My high school is currently looking for graduates to do an article about international adoption. The way the request for an interview was worded was as if we were saving these babies. It made me uncomfortable because I feel as if Flora is making our family whole...we aren't "saving her". I really think they want to "slant it" as if they gave us such a caring education, we became adopted mothers.

I know that they mean it in a positive way, but I know several alums who are dealing with kids who have some extreme physical & mental issues - those folks are real heroes.

Once Flora arrives, I would find it easier to discuss cost & process...but I never want the "saved her from poverty" issue to arrise.

Your thoughts...?

[MNStarr]

I agree, while I know Olivia will have more opportunities here than if she were to have stayed it doesn't mean she was less loved by her foster mom and I certainly didn't save her. Also I have had people tell me how courageous the brith mom was to give a young couple a baby and to me I feel that this is wrong. In my opinion the birthmoms last thought was about helping an over privelged couple from the US. Her main goal and mine is the baby and what is best for her. As for being saved, someone told me the same thing and I just said the baby saved me.

[Slatond10]

The person who requested the interview has probably never looked into adoption and had no idea how to word the request. I would contact the person and get a better understanding of her goal and see if it lines up with what you are comfortable with.

Like you, I definitely do not feel that I "saved" S. Actually after my visit trip I was VERY concerned that I was depriving her of a life rich in culture and family in Guatemala. I fell in love with the people, culture and the beauty of the area I saw. Luckily I was separated from my Mother on the flight home and I sat beside someone from Guatemala. He was very kind and after much discussion I shared my concern. He described a different part of Guatemala that I was not exposed to in GC and said I would be offering S. a good life... and not to have that concern.

[P.E.Z.]

I totally agree , but maybe you could educate people , I think it would be agreat for someone who really knows about international adoption to be interviewed.
You don't have to tell the $$$$ amount .
Just tell what you want people to know.

[Mandy4President]

We've been getting that a lot since we've been telling people that we're adopting from Guatemala. They say stuff like "Wow, that is so kind of you to help/save/rescue those kids from how they live!" I don't think that way at all. We don't even have a referral yet, but my husband and I already feel like the baby will really be saving us. We can't have anymore kids and she will be helping us finish our family and make it complete. We didn't intend on "saving" anyone, we just wanted another baby. Know what I mean?