There are thousands of children in the United States. Why would you not adopt a child domestically?

In our early stages of adoption, we thought that our baby was in the U.S. We waited a year on a domestic adoption and had many heartbreaks. One baby we had for a day and the mother changed her mind. Another baby's mother changed her mind in less than 24 hours. Sadly to say, another mother had an abortion instead of us raising her baby. It is not impossible to adopt through a domestic agency, but it can be very difficult for a family with children. In many cases, the birthmother selects the family for her baby. In most cases, a birthmother prefers a couple without children. In many states, the mother or father can attempt to take the baby back. This can go on for years. You can read more about Our Story for details of our heartbreak.



There are millions of children all over the world that need loving families. They need a family of their own. The first thing a family decides is where their child might be. Where is God calling you to adopt? Where is your child in this big, yet small, world? Many of our closest friends have adopted from many countries including the U.S. and all have their amazing adoption stories. God calls different families to different adoption options and we are so thankful for that.



There are many children in America who need homes. The opportunities, challenges and needs for these children can be very different than children available through international adoption. We believe that God works miracles in each situation. His plan is not the same for each of us. God will bless our obedience to His calling--wherever that might be.



All adoptions require a special calling. We love and appreciate families who are called to make a difference in the lives of these children. Our country doesn't always make it easy to adopt them. We are so thankful for our friend who is adopting from United States Foster Care. She shared this with us:

"Many people have the heart to love a child, but to love a child that may never really trust or fully be able to love you, well thats a tough one. But the reality is these kids have learned at an early age not to trust love, and many of them will die never fully trusting anyone to love them. That is so sad and it breaks my heart and scares me to death at the same time. But we feel God is the only one that can make the difference in (our ) child's life, and we are trusting Him to use us to do that. We just pray that our child will be accepting of his or her Heavenly Fathers love and grace and will allow Him to restore their little life and make it new. We know there are children available in other countries, but these children need (desperately) to see the love of Jesus through healthy happy homes. That's what we hope to bring to a child."

She also said that many Social Services Foster Care Programs provide training classes to help families to understand the needs of these children. For more information about the U.S. Foster Care system, contact your local Social Service office.



Another friend's sister just adopted four siblings just a couple of months ago. She sent me their prayers for Thanksgiving Day. So precious!



Aaron, 8 years old, was next and so he started off saying with a pretty loud voice like he's starting a sermon... I just want to thank the Lord Jesus Christ today for dying and giving us all eternal life. I am thankful for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for Luke, Lynn, Will, Mom, Dad, Paul, June, Sarah and Tim. Most of all, I am thankful for LOVE.

Will, 9 years old, said.. I am thankful that we have a home and can all be together. I am thankful for Mom and Dad and for Jesus dying on the cross so we can all go to Heaven.

Luke, five years old, said, I'm thankful for Sarah giving us a penguin movie, and for June's pumpkin pie, I am thankful for Mutter and Dad, food, Sarah and Timothy's house.

Lynn said..I'm thankful for a good home and having a mom and dad, and for being together,and then the food we had. Then she listed each family member that she was thankful for...



For information on adopting around the globe, see www.voiceoftheorphan.org



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