International Adoption Class

Saturday was the Lifeline International Adoption Class – finally. It was rescheduled from January. So being in the middle of tax season, Daniel had to work that morning. And I had an alarm clock problem. I set it for 8:30 – the class started at 9 am – how was that supposed to work? But I woke up at 8:15, not much better, but manageable. I made it there, almost late. But I walked in with someone going to the same place I was. I made a friend on the way in – and had someone to sit with.

The first speaker talked about her story of adoption and her trip to China. Later, I figured out that she was the wife of someone I work with. I really wanted to meet her. She talked about the spiritual journey that you also go through. She mentioned that Hope = eager expectation. I have that! Also that we are to wait quietly in God’s timing, as we wait for our child. But waiting with prayer, using resources to expand our education, and to be in the Word - which will strengthen, support and encourage us.

The second speaker told of her journey to adopt and getting her son. She was funny, full of life and excitement – a passion for international adoption. The next step in the class was introductions around the room. There were about 50 of us there, and thankfully they started on the other side of the room from me. Daniel arrived about halfway through, so he was there when we introduced ourselves. It was so great to have him by my side and to share in the excitement of being there too. Our “official” speaker talked about psychological child development in early years. And how institutionalized and even foster children can miss vital things in development, not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. She went into great detail of early childhood development. Some of this I think I learned in my Life Span Psychology class in college, but have long since forgotten. But basically the theme of what we learned is that adopted children adapt, learn and are a totally different experience than a biological child. For every 3 months that a child is in an orphanage, it sets them back 1 month on their development.

We broke for lunch, and during that time I got to talk to the first speaker and ask the psychologist a question also. God really gave me a great opportunity, and I didn’t let it pass by.
Also besides the wonderful speakers, I got to see some of the social workers from the coffee a few weeks ago. It was great to see some familiar faces.

The most meaningful and tiniest of moments for me that morning… When I signed in, there was a place for my name and a blank to fill in: Parent or Social Worker. It was so strange and exhilarating to write the word PARENT.