Ten Questions to Consider As You Explore Adoption
These questions are designed to help people who are exploring adoption think through some important considerations and ideas relating to the adoption decision process. Please keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions.
After you have thought through your answers, we would encourage you to discuss these questions and your thoughts with your spouse, and then identify an experienced adoptive family to talk with as well.
1. What are my biggest fears regarding adoption?
2. Do/will my close family and friends support my decision to adopt? If not, why?
3. How do I define the concept of family? In other words, what is a family?
4. What personal experience(s) do I have regarding adoption - whether positive or negative?
5. Does adoption seem "normal" to me?
6. If married, does my spouse have the same ideas about adoption?
7. What have I done thus far to educate myself about adoption?
8. What, if anything, do I feel that I would lose or be "giving up" if I choose to adopt?
9. Why do/would I want to adopt?
10. How do I feel about birthparents (i.e., the biological parents of children who are adopted)?
Source: Tapestry, A Ministry of Irving Bible Church (reprinted with permission in its entirety)
What to Consider When Considering Adoption
So you are considering adoption? You may think to start the adoption process by seeking quality information and resources, evaluating the pros and cons of the various adoption alternatives and trying to identify a good agency. While all of these considerations are very important and certainly necessary steps along the way, we believe there are some equally important, but often overlooked, things you should consider as you get started.
Assess Your Motivations - Being honest about our motivations can be a tricky thing at times. The reality is, however, that when making an adoption decision healthy motivations are very important. For most people their motivations for adopting are often multi-faceted and even complex. It is not so much that there is one "right" motivation for wanting to adopt, as there are several wrong motivations - motivations that more often than not lead to great disappointment and much hurt and heartache for everyone involved.
It is important not to adopt because you are trying to prove something or make a point, because it is the "in" thing or even the "Christian thing" to do, or because you want to "rescue" a child. Instead, a primary motivation for adopting should always be love - love that you have and are willing to unconditionally give to a child for a lifetime. . . love that will enable a child to heal and fully experience the blessings and security of a forever family. . . love that will point a child to the ultimate love - the unfailing love of God. So as you consider adoption, be sure to honestly and openly examine and discuss your motivations.
Develop Realistic Expectations - We have found that adoptive parents who have realistic expectations about the adoption journey are far more likely to thrive even in the midst of the challenges often associated with adoption. Adoptive families who are willing to be honest and open about their experiences - both the highs and the lows - are often the best resource for helping those considering adoption learn what to truly expect. As you move forward, it is essential to avoid overly romanticized notions and fairytale dreams of how your adoption will unfold. There will undoubtedly be "miracle moments" and indescribable joy along the way, but there will be some frustration and disappointment as well.
As we always tell families, expect that the adoption journey will be difficult at times, but ultimately worth it all - so no matter what, don't try to go it alone. Talk with experienced adoptive families and others about what you should realistically expect and know that God is doing something truly beautiful, even if it does not always appear as you might have imagined.
Pray Every Step of the Way - With the vast amount of detail and complexity associated with the adoption process, it is far too easy to forget to prayerfully approach every step along the journey. Each decision and each alternative should be prayerfully considered. And yet it can often be difficult to know just how and what to pray. If that's the case for you, consider praying for wisdom and discernment, and maybe start by asking God to lead and guide you as you honestly assess your motivations and expectations.
Also remember that so many lives are affected and impacted by each and every adoption - so don't forget to pray for the child that God will bring into your family as well as that child's birthparents, caregivers, and the many people working to help you complete the adoption process. And be sure to invite friends and family to join with you as you pray every step of the way. Prayer can and will make all the difference.
Source: Tapestry, A Ministry of Irving Bible Church (reprinted with permission in its entirety)
