For all of those that have asked WHY???

When we first announced our adoption plans, we got a lot of strange looks, a lot of "don't you have enough kids?" type remarks...and of course, we heard a lot of "why would you want to adopt?"

Well, the answer is simple...we just have to. No, we cannot change the world (oh, wouldn't that be nice?) but we CAN change the world for one child. And we have chosen sweet little Miss Everlyn! We want to give her the family she is missing, we want to give her all of the love and attention she needs and deserves. But most importantly, we want to save her. Yes....we can literally save the life of this innocent child. No, no - she is not dying. It's much worse really. Think of it as "death row" for pre-schoolers...

Orphans in other countries are seen as "disposable" - especially children with special needs. If not adopted by their 4th birthday, they are sent to mental institutions. Adult mental institutions. Insane asylums. The conditions there are horrific and NINETY FIVE PERCENT of the children transferred there do not survive their first year. Their little bodies, minds, and souls cannot endure the neglect, the isolation, the loneliness and even the abuse. It is too much for them. And it is too much for me to even think about. I simply cannot wrap my head around it.

So, while young children here are blowing out 4 little candles, eating cake 'til their bellies hurt, and opening presents with a fury......there are little children on the other side of the globe facing certain death. No celebration. No party. Simply an hour-glass run empty. Their time is up - they are now 4. They will now be locked away, forgotten by their own society. "Death row" is no place for a 4 year old (or ANY child for that matter). I don't care WHAT your "need" is....no human being deserves to die alone, physically restrained in a soiled crib, without ever knowing the love of a family.

Here are a few blog posts that illustrate my point. http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2010/06/i-left-my-heart-there.html
http://gardenofeagan.blogspot.com/2007/11/imagine-different-life.html

So, if you have asked yourself WHY would the Smith family consider adopting a child with special needs who lives on the other side of the globe...I must ask you, WHY NOT???

Adoption is not for everyone. Fact. It is stressful, time-consuming and expensive. But we know that it is going to be SO worth it when we walk out of that orphanage with our sweet girl...and we know she is safe, and loved! So, if you aren't in a position to adopt yourselves, consider doing something to help a family in the process. Offer encouragement, ask about upcoming fundraisers, "spam" everyone you know to donate/pray for a specific child to find their forever family, offer financial support to an adopting family (no amount is too small as every dollar has an impact!), pray for them.....there ARE things you can do! And I can assure you it is ALL very much appreciated.

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"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." --Mother Teresa