perspective

Something happened recently that was a wonderful reminder about perspective in adoption. We really only see things from our side. All the waiting and paperwork, all the decisions about what country, timing, birth order, etc. All the choices about bedrooms and vehicles and insurance and school and all the things that we focus on as we are making our decision. We want to make sure that we are making all the right choices and are minimizing our risks and potential problems. We decide if we can afford certain things and how we will go about raising funds.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world, maybe there is a parent or a family member that has another perspective. Maybe they are thinking about how they are going to feed their children or nieces and nephews or grandchildren. Maybe they are trying to decide if certain starvation is better or if life in an orphanage is a better choice. They may be filled with thoughts of grief at the loss of a dear loved one and trying to decide what to do with the small ones left behind. Maybe they are so sick and know they are dying and are trying to make the best possible choice for their babies. Or, maybe they are so far gone and hopeless that throwing their baby in the trash seems to be a better option than anything else.

I think about my children and how much I love them. I just cannot fathom that if something happened to us that no one would step up to take them in. I think how incredible they are, how they are all so unique and beautiful and no one would want them???!!! How they are each a treasure and a masterpiece made by God’s own hand and they are too much of risk. I think about how our family isn’t quite complete yet, and most people would think that there are too many already. It really does blow my mind. I wonder if mother’s in other countries feel the same way.