Going Private Soon

Just wanted to let you all know I will be making the blog private soon. If you'd like to be on the list, please email me. Many of you that I email and talk to often will be included anyway, as well as all close friends and family.

As much as I have enjoyed sharing with everyone out there in blog land and getting to know so many of you that are also adopting, I feel we will soon be getting our referral and want to keep some details more private. I am also getting the odd comment now and again and just don't feel like dealing with it. Some just want to sell something and others want to point out the problems with international adoption. I woke up to a disturbing comment yesterday morning. Actually, the comment was not disturbing itself. The anonymous comment said no hello or words, but just directed me to a website and article that said inter-country adoption is pointless and makes people who are strangers in our country, etc. I was horrified. As if this process isn't hard enough. Now I have to deal with uninformed people's opinions too? Just to clarify a few things (not that I should have to) but here it is...

1. Thailand's program is long standing and has never had corruption. I appreciate those advocating for children worldwide. I understand there have been problems in other countries, but Thailand's program as been heralded for being on the up and up. Furthermore, their government takes great effort to keep the children in country and with their birthparents or other family members before releasing them for international adoption.  Most children are not released until 1 year old for this reason. Those condemning all international adoption should do their homework on the subject.

2. I  (as well as other adoptive parents) are well aware of the loss and difficulties of international adoption. We know that it may be difficult at times for our child to be different, not look like their parents, and some times they may feel like they don't "fit in". That's what loving parents are for. To help them, guide them, reassure them over and over, get them therapy if they need, hold their hand, and love them deeply.  Parents should be well informed, open and honest with their children, making it easy for their children to communicate with them. The road may not always be easy, but it is a road worth traveling and far better than living their life at an orphanage. How anyone could say international adoption is pointless is beyond me. It was obviously not someone who as gotten to know all the wonderful, happy families out there as I have. Of course, there will be challenges, but we will get through them.

3. I use the words grateful and thankful a lot. However, I use them as they apply to ME. I would NEVER expect my child to be "grateful" for a life she didn't choose. Grateful for the sun that shines and the food on our table and life itself, but never for adoption. I don't believe we are "saving" a child. I believe we are the lucky ones. We both do. But I do know that this particular child with her particular needs and circumstances does need us and we are happy that both our needs (and hearts) will be fufilled by the gift of adoption. I ask that others try not to judge things they know nothing about.

Okay, done venting. If anyone wants to read said article, go to: http://about-orphans.blogspot.com. We now go back to our regularly scheduled blogging...