Working in an adoption agency for nine years, I was often asked why people go overseas to adopt. “After all”, they would say, “there are so many children in foster care in this country.”

There are many reasons why people choose international adoption. Some have an affinity for a particular country or culture. Others feel more comfortable adopting overseas and avoiding the burocracy of Child Protective Services. While, still others feel like children in orphanages may have less scars from potential emotional or physical abuse.

I have strong opinions about this. I think all children are not only deserving of a permanent home - but it should be their birth right. Even those who are not “MADE IN THE USA” should be given the same opportunity to a family. All children, in this country and around the world, should be given the oppotunity to experience the love and security that a forever family can offer.

Don’t get me wrong – I am quick to wave the Red, White, and Blue and am proud of my country and feel privileged to live here. I like many others, listen to tragedies in other countries with a level of apathy and feel relieved when global misfortunes spare Americans. Still, families that are willing to open their homes to a parentless child should not be criticized for their motives or choices. Instead, they, along with the children they welcome, should be celebrated!

1 Comments

Malissa Henire said:

Thank you for giving adoption a voice today on GMT!!! My husband and I decided to work with foster care children three years ago before trying to start our family. It has been the best experience of our lives and keeps us humble and grateful for all we have been given. During that time we decided to start a family and gave birth to our first daughter in October '06. However through this journey we fell in love with a little girl in foster care that we could not imagine living a day without. Thankfully, we were able to finalize her adoption two weeks ago!!! Yes, there was red tape involved but in the end it was ALL WORTH IT!!! We believe all children are worth the challenges (mainly time) that come with adopting. I want to encourage anyone who even thinks about adopting to find out more, talk to others who have adopted, and remember it is not only for couples with infertility problems.
We can only hope we get to experience parenting both ways again in the future.
Blessings,
Malissa

March 18, 2008 2:21 PM

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