Special Needs Adoption - Forever, For Always, No Matter What

When we were first investigating adoption, I didn't think a special needs adoption would be anything we would ever entertain. ?It seemed too overwhelming and frankly wasn't for me. ?

It did seem heartless and cold when we had to check the boxes about what we were willing and not willing to accept in a referral. ?But God has a way of softening hearts and changing the things we say "I would never" about.

Special needs adoption is not for everyone, just like not everyone is called to adopt. ?Sometimes, though, we have to remain open to God's will and sometimes he's calling us to challenge ourselves in ways we never dreamed.

Sarah changed that "never" for our family. ?As you can read in her story, she was diagnosed with a syndrome she ultimately did not have, yet she has faced other challenges. ??Leah was also considered special needs because of an issue in her birthmother's background. ?When we were discerning her adoption I heard something from Dr. Ray that has stuck with me, he said: "this child will have issues whether they are with you or not, isn't it so much better to have these issues in the midst of a loving family?" ?We thought so too.

There are many different special needs to consider. ?Since I faint at the sight of blood and medical things in generally cause me anxiety {okay, a lot of anxiety!}, a child with extensive medical special needs was probably not going to be a good fit. ?However, other special needs were doable for us. ?

With neither Sarah or Leah, we didn't set out specifically looking for a child with special needs, both girls sort of fell into our lap. ?Thankfully, through God's grace we were open to adding the girls to our family. ?

If you are considering a special needs adoption, I would encourage you check out both RainbowKids and Reece's Rainbow for more information. ?Talk to families who have adopted a special needs child and see how life really is, the ups and downs - the blessings. ?

Source: http://www.foreverforalwaysnomatterwhat.com/2013/01/special-needs-adoption.html

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