To date my husband and I have adopted two children into our family. My daughter has been a light in our lives since the moment she arrived. She loves to sing and dance, makes up music and lyrics and is able to burst out into song at any given moment.
I can easily bring to mind the sweet little two year old who, when she was supposed to be quietly napping, I heard singing coming from her room instead. Upon investigation I found her having pushed books and boxes up to her window, and she, proudly standing atop the pile, shade pulled up and singing loudly. When I asked what she was doing she stated, “Mama, I’m singing to the world!”
So precious. Such a sweet heart. Our Jasmine.
I’ll never forget the day she arrived. Kyle and I had spent all weekend painting and readying the room she would occupy. The afternoon of her arrival was bright and warm. We paced the living room, only stopping to glance out the window, waiting for the social worker’s car to appear.
I can remember over the long weekend before her arrival being worried that we’d get a call Monday that the emergency home Jasmine was placed with would want to keep her. Almost as if before ever meeting her, I knew how special she was, already wanting her for my own.
As the social workers car finally pulled up, Kyle and I went outside to meet her. Opening the back door, she reached for Jasmine, handing her to me as we walked back inside. Jasmine immediately started to coo at us. As the social worker gave instructions, I had a hard time focusing, unable to take my eyes off of this beautiful baby girl.
And even now, as we’ll often tell Jasmine the story of how she came to be with us, how happy daddy and I were, how she was an answer to prayer—her little face lights up. And I can picture that sweet baby who came, just like it was yesterday.
Waiting for an adopted child to come, is much like waiting for a biological child to be birthed—anticipation, expectation, excitement—all emotions felt by those waiting to adopt.
And although there are many hard emotions and complications that come with adopting a child—there is also so much good, so much love and hope.
Adoption is not for everyone, but it is for some.
And for us, it’s been one of the greatest blessings of our lives.
Kendra Roehl
Kendra Roehl is a social worker by background, currently a foster and adoptive mom, married, with four children. You can find Kendra writing honestly about topics such as marriage, motherhood, foster care and adoption and social justice at The Ruth Experience. You can follow Kendra on Facebook and Twitter.
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