Saturday, February 23, 2008

Adoption Obsession

"God sets the lonely in families..."
Psalm 68:6


I'm just so happy. So very happy. Yes, that's my view of the dining table... My glasses, my cup of coffee, my HUGE binder and my stack of books. If only I could just let all of my obligations go for the next few weeks and just snuggle up and read! But, life doesn't work that way does it?

This week we attended a wonderful two-day seminar at our adoption agency. I cannot say enough about our wonderful agency and its top-notch staff. Not only are they providing such solid and valuable information every step of the way, they are truly partnering with us in bringing home this precious child. It's amazing to see their dedication, not only to the orphans and their caregivers around the world, but to the families who are eager to welcome them into their families. It's clear that they want to see God glorified in every aspect of this. They also have monthly events, support groups, educational opportunities as well as great ways to partner with them in ministry. Additionally, they offer support groups and retreats for adopted children. I pray for anyone reading this who may be considering adoption now or sometime in the future, that you would find an agency that offers this level of support. It's such an indescribable blessing!

We learned so much over the past two days, covering all areas of adoption, including not only how to prepare ourselves but also how to view the process through the eyes of the birth parents and most importantly, the child. We looked at the issues of bonding and attachment, developmental issues, sensory integration issues (very interesting to me), medical, speech and language development, meeting the child for the first time, and bringing them home. We also discussed something I think will be so fun... creating a "life book", or a story book for your adopted child telling his or her story. There are some wonderful resources for that here. I'm not a scrapbooker by any stretch, but I can't WAIT to do this!

The best part of all...we met in country-specific groups and had a fabulous time meeting the other families, who I already feel are kindred spirits. One of our agency's staff members just returned from our child's birth country a couple of weeks ago and we saw an unspeakably precious video of the staff and children in the baby home there. My eyes brimmed with tears as I realized that I could be looking at our child!

So, it's official. I'm obsessed. This adoption all I'm thinking about, reading about, planning for, and cleaning house for (our final home visit is Monday!) I think that emotionally I've held much of this at arms' length for awhile because I was afraid once I started crying I might not be able to stop. (And I don't cry pretty.) Now, I just don't care. I am a blubbering idiot. I'm crying right now as I type this. I have at least one other child on the other side of this world, and it's okay for me to be emotional about it and be passionate about bringing her home!


12 comments:

Daisy said...

How wonderful! OK, now I'm crying too. God bless you, Cyndi. And God bless your little girl on the other side of the world!

Linda said...

I wish we could sit and visit and chat and hug and cry together....
I am so impressed with all of this
Cyndi. We certainly could have used some of that support system along the way. I think this is all going to be just wonderful.
I can't wait to see that little girl. She will be so loved - blessed and a blessing. God is doing something so special in your lives.

Kelly @ Love Well said...

You have the heart of God, Cyndi. What a beautiful thing. I can't wait to follow the rest of your journey and meet your daughter.

Jill said...

Amen, amen, amen! It was so great to spend a few days with you and Luke and dream together! I, too, have been cleaning house all day (our 1st meeting is tomorrow) and finally broke down around 6 p.m. with tears....of joy, frustration, excitement, you name it! This is real! It was so comforting to read your words just now & know that someone (another Buckner momma) is experiencing the same range of emotions. I look forward to walking our journeys side-by-side for many years to come...and hope our children will, too.

Tammy said...

So excited to be following your journey! Cannot wait to see the post of your homecoming with her!

Tricia said...

I'm crying right along with you! ((Sniffle)) Psalm 68:6 is one of my favorite verses, ever. Every time I read it, I get a feeling in my heart that I cannot even explain. I am so glad that Buckner is taking such good care of you and all the details and striving to glorify God with every step. That is the way it should be.

Alycia said...

How wonderful Cindy! I truly enjoy reading about your adoption journey. I am making mental notes as you share your story ~ it is something dear to my heart. I feel God's tugging on my heart in this area yet at this time in my life, it seems so daunting. I just said a prayer for you and your daughter in Ethiopia. What a blessed journey.

Hen Jen said...

Cyndi, God bless you guys for being willing to open your home. I hope it all comes together quickly for you.

your adoption agency sounds really supportive. Can't wait to read more of your journey.

Susanne said...

I don't blame you one bit for being obsessed. It's so exciting!

ShellyW said...

Hi. I'm new to your blog and wanted to post to say that Adoption has been one of the best decisions we've ever made. My hubby and I have two "home grown" teenage daughters and one "grown in our heart" son from Vietnam. He's been home with us for a little over a year. He is now 4 1/2 and is such a blessing that I can't even begin to describe the joy. Congratulations! I'll be following your journey.

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Oh, Cyndi I am so excited for you and so excited that I (we) get to share in this journey with you.

This is just so wonderful and exciting as I think about your precious child, hand-picked by the Lord whose life will be forever changed by the love you and your husband and children will be bringing into this child's life and heart.

May the Lord grant you those moments to just sit and enjoy each step. May they be filled with enormous peace and joyful anticipation of her arrival.

Emily said...

I think its AWESOME that you are emotional and passionate about bringing your child home! Cyndi, you must know how impressed and humbled we are by you guys in the so many things but especially this adoption. We love you and we are praying for you and rejoicing with you!