Photo by Desirea Rodgers
(Next week I'll begin the adoption series many of you have requested. So it seemed like a good time to replay this post as well. It was first published on March 17, 2009.)
I love adoption. It radically changed my world. I've had the unique experience of "birthing" in two vastly different ways - for that I'm so grateful.
Adoption is far from "Plan B." I hope many will consider it.
How amazing would it be to see a cultural shift where people wanting a family would ask, "Should we have biological children or should we adopt? Should we do both?"
But adoption isn't for everyone. All of us have different gifts that can be used to help others.
Adoption was a natural expression of our family's desire to help. And it has led me on a journey I never envisioned.
One of extreme highs and lows - dark, lonely pain and overwhelming, shout-out-loud joy.
I wouldn't change a thing.
People sometimes mention how wonderful we are for choosing adoption when we can also have biological children. But we didn't adopt because we're amazing or wonderful people - we adopted because we wanted to.
And it's easy to do what you want to do, isn't it?
We believed there were two children in the world who needed us. And we needed them.
Adoption was the right thing at the right season, and it brought our children home.
So if you've never done so, please consider adoption. Staggering numbers of children in the US and world need families.
But don't adopt because there's a need or because it's a nice idea.
Adopt because you really, really want to. Adopt because you must.
And if you don't want to, then don't. Revel in the freedom of translating your talents into help for others your own way.
Giving back isn't optional when we're aiming to raise globally-minded children. But the expressions will be as beautiful and varied as our diverse personalities.
Each expression is valid.
Following our passions to make a difference fuels our lives and our mothering with enthusiasm.
By giving back we find ourselves - and wow, it's a worthwhile discovery.
Jamie is founder of this little spot called Steady Mom, editor of the blog Simple Homeschool, mama to three cute kids born on three different continents, and author of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.
