Adoption Itch

The adoption itch: If you have had it, you know what I'm talking about, and you likely have a sweet little one that never spent a moment in your womb as well, because that is pretty much the only cure for the itch. I have it. Again. It seems that many people that adopt do it more than once, so it should be no surprise that I have the itch. Again.

Like many families, our dinner table is an open forum. The other night I threw it out. Of course, the kids have always asked: "Will we adopt again?" Only God really knows. Of course, Aidan and Cole Patrick are all for it. Overall, Brendan is good to have around, if for no other reason than that they really like to tattle! Brendan chimed in, "I used to live with the Big Momma and a boy with funny teeth (he had braces), and you adopted me!" (Somebody has been paying attention!) Jason, I can't exactly read yet, but I couldn't read him on Brendan's adoption either. As a rule, I pretty much just move forward, keeping him apprised--if he objects to something, he'll let me know. That is pretty much how our marriage works, and it hasn't gotten me in too much trouble yet...!

So, I contacted our Adoption Specialist from Brendan's adoption. Apparently, if we want to adopt from the U.S. Foster Care System again, we are good to go. We are still certified, and we would just need minor updates to be ready again for match. Easy Peasy! The problem is I really never do "easy;" I always do things the hard way...it's kind of my motto. I wasn't thinking I wanted to adopt the same way twice--what fun is that? For whatever reason (although, I suspect, He is the reason), I feel led to adopt internationally. Jason didn't really want to hear that; THAT just adds zeros. Paying practically nothing vs. $25,000-35,000...Jason hardly wants to even discuss it.

Okay, I get it--that is a BIG number! We don't have any where near that lying around. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination. We are comfortable, and that is about it--not a lot of extra, but I consider that an amazing blessing. Many folks can't say that much.

As we discussed adoption at the dinner table, we talked about why we would adopt again. A lot of people have strong feelings about adopting either domestically or internationally--we have pretty much always just felt that if we could help at all, that is great. So, Jason said simply: we have more to give, why not? As a mom, I know the first time I didn't care boy or girl or age or race--this time, I would like a child to bridge the five years between Cole Patrick and Brendan, and I would like another child that doesn't look like us. It may not matter to Bren now, but it very well may later. Aidan says, "Okay after we adopt one younger than Cole, let's adopt one older than me!" I responded,"We're going to top off at four kids, Aidan."...I'm certain many families before us have made similiar proclamations, only to learn that God had other plans, and one thing I know, is that He always has the last word.

I woke up this a.m., and my first thought was adoption. I know I have the itch. I am not good at raising funds--I know a lot people are that embark on international adoption, but if my itch persists, I know I will figure it out. One way or another. Love is the primary motivator for adopting, and love will always find a way.