The month of November is National Adoption Month. It's a month where adoption is celebrated and the media, organizations and those touched by adoption try to help others understand some of the ins and outs of it all. Sometimes all the sad, bad and horror stories are what comes to mind when thinking of adoption - but this month it's always a delight to see the many beautiful stories of lives changed - children, parents, families. The Today Show is featuring adoption stories all week long this week, so this morning I remembered to tune in, just in time to catch the adoption story of the day. It was a story about one of their regular contributors (Dr.Nancy Snyderman), her adopted daughter and the reunion with her birth mother. I really enjoyed watching the story but was Caught Off Guard by the emotions it brought up in me. I was an absolute teary, running nose, blubbering mess! I think about Martha's birth mom often still, but today I was overwhelmed by her sacrifice to Martha. Absolutely overwhelmed. She gained nothing by relinquishing Martha. In fact, Martha might have been all she really had. But, she wanted more for Martha and so she made the decision to have her adopted, so that she could have a different sort of life. The rest of the day, I couldn't get her birth Mom off of my mind. We met her when we traveled to Ethiopia on our first trip, but I quickly realized I didn't ask enough questions and since then have thought of so many more things I'd like to know and like to tell her too. I still can't begin to imagine saying good-bye to my biological child and know that they were going a world away. I wonder if she thinks of Martha often or if she tries to stay busy so she doesn't have to wonder if she's okay. I believe my heart would break if that were me. I don't think I will ever understand how she did it but I know I will be grateful for the rest of my life. And totally overwhelmed at her amazing sacrifice. To every birth Mom out there - THANK YOU. And know that an adoptive Mom does not take you for granted. We deeply, humbly and forever hold you in our hearts and pray that you know the blessing you have given.
As I looked at Martha today, I realized some of the things she has, that we take for granted. A chance to get a flu shot this year. A chance to have Tuberculosis medication before her latent diagnosis went active. A chance to wear clean clothes every day. A chance to ask for her milk cup to be filled up. A chance to be bathed in clean water. A chance to have brothers and sisters who play with her. A chance to have three full meals of a variety of food. I still glance at her and can't believe she is here with us - from the other side of the world. Only God could do that. Again - absolutely overwhelmed.
This month is also "Operation Christmas Child" time. Our family has been doing shoeboxes for OCC for years. We find such joy in sending a box of small gifts to children all around the world. It is but a small way to touch lives on the other side of the world and helps us remember that Christmas isn't about us. If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child - please google it and see how easy and fun it is to pack a shoebox! And - if you need to drop off your shoebox, please let me know. Our Church is collecting boxes until November 24. And.......we have a goal of 300 boxes and we'd love to count your box in that! My husband has agreed to have "OCC" shaved in the back of his head if CenterPoint Church collects 300 or more boxes - so c'mon contibute to the cause for kids and for his head shaving! :-)
During this National Adoption Month, remember those Birth Parents whose sacrifices have blessed others in amazing ways. And, pray for all those children around the world who still need a family......and pray for families to open their hearts to these children. Thank you~
As I looked at Martha today, I realized some of the things she has, that we take for granted. A chance to get a flu shot this year. A chance to have Tuberculosis medication before her latent diagnosis went active. A chance to wear clean clothes every day. A chance to ask for her milk cup to be filled up. A chance to be bathed in clean water. A chance to have brothers and sisters who play with her. A chance to have three full meals of a variety of food. I still glance at her and can't believe she is here with us - from the other side of the world. Only God could do that. Again - absolutely overwhelmed.
This month is also "Operation Christmas Child" time. Our family has been doing shoeboxes for OCC for years. We find such joy in sending a box of small gifts to children all around the world. It is but a small way to touch lives on the other side of the world and helps us remember that Christmas isn't about us. If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child - please google it and see how easy and fun it is to pack a shoebox! And - if you need to drop off your shoebox, please let me know. Our Church is collecting boxes until November 24. And.......we have a goal of 300 boxes and we'd love to count your box in that! My husband has agreed to have "OCC" shaved in the back of his head if CenterPoint Church collects 300 or more boxes - so c'mon contibute to the cause for kids and for his head shaving! :-)
During this National Adoption Month, remember those Birth Parents whose sacrifices have blessed others in amazing ways. And, pray for all those children around the world who still need a family......and pray for families to open their hearts to these children. Thank you~
