We are all invited to Adopt!

I have this new habit that is a really good thing. I've been getting on my elliptical. After letting it gather dust for a few years I'm back to it!! What does that have to do with adoption? WELL, while I walk, I watch video's about adoption. The time just FLIES by. Which is great, cuz when I'm distracted I can push harder and enjoy working out. So, be ready for lots of elliptical sharing videos! Today's struck me with the importance of being invited. When I was selling food storage one of the seminars I attended talked about never forgetting at the end of a home party to invite the guest to purchase. Something so important and I'd been forgetting it.

When I met my adoption messenger (learn about her here) Her story came with invitations that I could do it too. That she'd be glad to help me if I wanted to adopt. There is so much power in a simple invitation.

And that leaves you. I invite you to adopt! I haven't even really started he process yet, but I wouldn't be jealous if you started and ended your journey to adoption before I do. Every precious little one matters and needs a family. The statistics blew me away in this video.

Since this is about inviting. I'd like to invite you to comment. I'd love encouragement from those who have adopted, comradery from those who are wanting to start the process, and support for anyone willing to give it!

Today I heard back from the agency that I asked to see a file from. They said his file is being reviewed by two other families and she'd let me know later today about it. 

Planting a Seed

Not all seeds grow. A seed never planted has no chance.  The seed of Adoption has been planted in my heart, in fertile soil. It is watered every time I think of adopting, but what really waters the seed are the experiences of others. What a blessing BLOGS are. hahaha. a blog? That silly thing we did before facebook took over our lives, and don't get me started on instagram. I've fallen back in love with blogging and the blogs of adoptive parents- especially china are AMAZING! I will get a link going on the side, but this post touched me today. This post is spring rain to my little seed.

http://findingmeimei.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-past-is-not-in-past.html

Yes, I say fertile soil. I didn't even realize the effect of my adopted friends in my life. The biggest contributor is my second mama. A beautiful Korean woman who was adopted as a young girl. Her daughter is my best friend and I love them both so much. I love the culture of Korea they brought into my life. I love that they taught me to eat with chopsticks! Even though I'm horrible at it.

How do you know the seed has been planted? Because when our family talks about adopting it's not if, it's when. In our prayers and fasting it's not 'if' we adopt, it's 'when' and 'how'. My prayer today is Heavenly Father, please bless us with the means, the strength and the perseverance to bless our lives and the life of one of thy special spirit
who needs the most important thing in life, family.

Inspiration- the first step

Sometimes the little things are the big things. Two nights ago I filled out a form and it was just a little old form with basic, although personal, information. A small thing that felt so huge in that moment. The form was to ask for information on one of the babies whose picture I couldn't stop looking at. Is he mine? The only way to find out is to know more about him. But if I just keep scrolling I won't fall in love, I won't commit. And that is the easy path.
That is what made asking for more info such a big deal. It's the first time I've contacted a stranger or agency and it felt like a very big deal.

SO, two days later feels like an eternity. Maybe they saw I didn't qualify and aren't going to contact me at all. Maybe it's just the weekend. Maybe I need to stop obsessing. Maybe I need to get a job to pay for adopting.

Last night, with all my family around for a birthday, Kev leaned over my cell and said "what ya doing? Looking at Chinese babies?" He's stopped saying "I'm not going to China" In fact he was almost (haha) encouraging when I told him I wanted more info on a baby in China and I showed him the pix. "It won't hurt to get some info" But he is wrong. It can hurt because I might fall in love. And he might fall in love.  And the journey to a China Adoption is not an easy one. My 7 year old's face when I told her it takes 1-2 years reminded me of that. She will be nine or even ten if we begin the process soon. This makes me want to get it going, so that my kids aren't too much older than the child we adopt.

Planting your own seed? Sign up at Rainbowkids.org to see the faces of these kids who need forever families.