This thread is archived
1,468 Views
9 Replies
Last post:
Dec 1, 2009 12:15 AM by
Justina 
Thanks so much for your open and candid conversation on this topic that is near to our hearts here at Focus on the Family, and clearly near to yours as well! We've asked Kelly Rosati, a member of our staff, to join in. We hope you are encouraged by her comments! 
GLU, thank you for taking time to post your thoughts, and especially for offering your forthright advice and transparency. It’s clear you’re in the trenches of parenting special needs children, and thus, you have much wisdom to share with others. I am the Senior Director of Focus on the Family’s Sanctity of Human Life, which includes our Adoption & Orphan Care Initiative. My husband and I have also adopted four children from the foster care system. Each has come to us with a variety of physical and emotional challenges, and raising them has become our life’s work and ministry.
As a result of our family’s personal experience, the wisdom of those like you who’ve walked in our shoes, and the counsel of adoption professionals, we have never painted a rosy picture when it comes to adopting from foster care. We at Focus are always upfront and honest about the potential challenges, and we share them at each of our gatherings and in all of our interactions. We encourage interested parents to count the cost, and we stress that this journey is, first and foremost, a calling. Adopting a special needs child who has been in the foster care system for any length of time should not be entered into without much prayer and the Lord’s clear direction.
Nevertheless, caring for these little ones is something the Body of Christ is asked to do (James 1:27). Indeed, every special needs child bears the image of our maker. As such, He has plans for each one, and those plans include us (Psalm 68:5-6). Kellyjoy15, you’ll need the love, understanding and support from Christian family and friends. You won’t be able to go it alone. Often our church families want to help but don’t know how. That’s why we published our booklet, “Wrapping Around Adoptive Families: How to Support those called to Adopt.” We would encourage you to give this to your loved ones so they will know better how to come alongside you in this difficult journey.
However, something my husband and I have learned: Never underestimate the healing power of a loving home … I applaud you for being willing to lay down your lives for the sake of another.
And again to you, GLU, God sees and knows all that you’ve gone through in support of your children. He will undoubtedly bless you for keeping a covenant relationship in spite of the immense challenges. We would encourage you to call one of our ministry’s counselors to perhaps talk through some of what you’ve experienced and to receive prayer.
Finally, I should mention that Focus is not only encouraging believers to consider adopting our nation’s orphans, but we’re backing up this call with a promise to be one of a family’s many support systems. In addition to our resources, counselors, and forums such as this, we’re working with local licensed Christian counselors and churches to wrap an arm around adoptive families. To that end, I’d encourage each of you to check out the articles and resources found on our Web site at http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/. Great discussion!
Kelly Rosati
Senior Director, Sanctity of Human Life
Focus on the Family
