[moominmama]

My husband and I are waiting parents in an African American/Biracial domestic program. We have a bio-son, who is 6. While my husband is not Jewish, we are members of a reform temple and we are raising our children as Jews. Our social worker mentioned that this might be a barrier for some birthmoms and since then we've heard this from other people (including my mother). I'm feeling discouraged (another birthmom didn't choose us this week) so would love to hear some encouragement!!!

Thanks!
Dawn

[Sharon]

Is your name a reference to the moomin-troll books?
Gosh, I loved those books when I was a kid. Nobody else has ever heard of them.
~ Shar
PS Best wishes to you. Hang in there; it'll happen eventually.

[moominmama]

Yes, my user name is because of the beloved moomins!!! I made Tove Jansson my featured author this month on my blog 'cuz I do adore her. For awhile I was posting an excerpt of a moomin book every day (for this month) but I flaked on it.

Thank you for your post, BTW!!!


Dawn

[spaypets]

I don't have any direct experience, but its been my impression that there are a lot of birthmothers out there looking for Christian families for their children. Also, there are some, though not many agencies that require adopting families to be Christian.

The perception that adoptive mothers shy away from non-Christian families is one reason so many Jewish families are turning to international adoption. Many countries don't care what religion you.

That being said, I've also read that it's an incorrect impression that Jewish families are at a disadvatage. Is your agency telling you why birthmothers aren't choosing you after viewing your profile? It might not have anything to do with religion. Some birthmothers want suburban homes, others want cities, some want families with pets or without -- it's very personal and religion might not have anything to do with their choices.

[tracysg]

Dawn,

I live in Texas and was worried that birthmothers would not choose me because my husband and I were Jewish. My social worker explained to me that some birthmothers do want Christian couples, but others do not care.

I waited 6 months before matching to a woman that did not care what religion we were, just that we had religion.

Just know that the right birthmother will choose you for the right reasons. My son's birthmother knows we are Jewish and she is Catholic. She is happy that her biological son is loved and happy.

Yes, some birthmothers will pass on you, but the child that is meant to be yours will find you.

Best of luck to you.

Tracy

[dale1958]

Yes it can be more difficult if you are Jewish, but don't get discouraged. We are Jewish and adopted two white infants, one who had a Catholic birthmom and one who had a protestant birthmom who had never met a Jewish person before. (the birthfather actually said, "well, they are the chosen people )

I think as someone who is adopting biracially you should get placed soon. Hang in there! Where are you located anyway? --Dale-- adoptive mom to two boys, and reform temple members

[moominmama]

Thanks so much to those who gave us encouragement; it helped a great deal! And the good news is we matched!!! Now we are praying that this is the baby for us and that our birthmom will find peace with her decision. But if this is not our baby, we will take heart knowing that if we were chosen once, we will be chosen again!



Baby is due 12/21 so it's a way to wait but we hope to meet her in a few weeks and that will be exciting!!!

Dawn

[tracysg]

Congrats on being matched! That is great news. I will think of you and hope that everything works out! Best of luck.

Tracy

[acgh2003]

Congragulations on your match!!!
We also are jewish and adopting from the state, The SW told us that this might be a step back but not to say we will not get placed. We are open to siblings, caucasian or hispanic race, and mild to moderate health conditions. We are in California going through the state.Anyone think this might effect our placement. I don't see why it would, the sw did say it showed good morals that there is a religious practice in place. Any comments????