Getting Involved in Orphan Care: It Starts with Community, Part I
So I’ll be honest in saying I felt a little reluctant posting this picture. Feels a little too tryna-be-a-fashion-bloggerish, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it just feels super awkward and not real life (because let's be honest 90% of the time I'm a bit of a hot mess!). However, this picture means so much more and I’ll elaborate on why in just a bit.
After I compelled the hubs to take this not-so-natural picture, some thoughts immediately came to mind. We’ve been on this journey almost 9 months, and there are some statements we’ve heard quite frequently along the way:
“I could never do what you’re doing (adopt)!”
“I’ve always wanted to adopt, but…”
“How can we help support you?”
So back to the bag and why it made me think of these things. It’s a Better Life Bag. One I’ve been eyeing and secretly wishing for, for a while now. The dearest friend of my heart and hubby made my birthday candle-wish come true last week and it now represents the precious hope I literally carry around every day. You see, I first saw this bag when adoption was just a longing in my heart. So for me, it not only represents the very real way God is bringing hope to life through our adoption journey, but also the many ways He is inspiring others to get involved in caring for all aspects of ethical orphan care.
Wearing this bag gives me opportunity to explain when asked why orphan care matters. Not just our own story of adoption, but what “being the village” really means and how everyone has opportunity to get involved. This bag is additionally awesome because it supports The Archibald Project (an orphan care organization), as well as local women in the Detroit area who have various barriers to employment.
When adoption was first on our hearts, each time I saw something that reminded me of orphan care, I'd catch myself itching to learn more about how to get involved. Certainly there's something more we can all do?! In fact, I’m certain I’ve said each one these above-mentioned statements in the past out of a longing to do something that mattered, but also caught up with the unknown. And while those of you who know me, know I’ll talk your ear off to the high-heavens if you get me started, I’ve also wanted to put the resources somewhere for others to reference. So hence, a blog post is born.
Actually, since I know we all have limited attention spans these days. I’m breaking this post into a two-part series. In my next post I will seek to address the “how can we help support” question. I’ll share some ideas on how you personally can help, even if you’re not called to adopt a child of your own. But for now, did you know?
Around 140,000 children are adopted (domestically and internationally) by American families each year. Although no more than 2% of Americans have actually adopted, more than 1/3 have considered it.
This fact means that adoption really is on the mind and hearts of so many today, and for a variety of reasons. And if one eventually does come to the place of beginning to research what the process may look like for their family, it can seem an overwhelming task. Do we pursue domestic? International? Foster Care? Safe Families? And just as soon as you begin to Google something, you’re just as sure to come across enough dramatic stories to make you want to run far; but then right there next to fear-mongering article are the tear-jerker “Gotcha Day” videos. I surmise the range of emotions on the topic of adoption is why we so often hear others say, “I could never adopt” just as often as we hear “I’ve always wanted to adopt”.
I’m here to tell you, that much like all else in life, not everything you read on the internet is true (shocker, I know!). It almost always only represents a very small fraction of reality and the bigger picture of what is actually happening. When it comes down to it, God has used real life relationships to show us the truth about orphan care. Is it hard? Yes! Does it require a whole lot of faith? Yup! But is it important and worth it? You betcha!
JB and I are living examples of how God strategically put us in places to watch how “He defends the cause of the fatherless…” and “sets the lonely in families” (Deut. 10:18; Psalm 68:6). Watching His faithful care for both the adoptive parents and children, has filled our hearts with great hope and peace. I’ve seen time and time again the way others go from thinking “I could never…” to “we could have missed this” simply because they have watched the journey play out for others. I share this because while we don’t claim to have all the answers, I want others to know He is faithful to meet our doubts and fears, not just with His promises, but also real-life testimonies of His providential care.
The freedom others give us to ask questions as much as we need is one of the very reasons we walk this road affirmed in our decision to adopt. So if you’re one of the people who has said either of these statements, and genuinely want to know if adoption/foster care is for you…then start making friends who are walking the road themselves! Find people who are considering it; find people who are in-process; talk with those who just brought their children home, as well as those who adopted years ago. The adoption community is a special place, and if we can be of a help please never hesitate to ask (although we humbly admit we've still lotttttts to learn!).
I know not everyone is called or in the position to adopt. Moreover, I know there are many who long to, but for a variety of reasons cannot. Lastly, I cannot deny that there are many hard, heartbreaking stories of adoption, too. So I’m overly cautious and sensitive to speak words that are not naïve, or that would cause shame or frustration.
The Edelsons aren’t special. We don’t think we’ve got this all figured out, just because we’ve got a great tribe championing us on. We are just as weak and fickle as the next person. Our knees shake and doubts can often swirl our minds. BUT God! We’re going to continue stepping out in faith and obedience to the road ahead so that all eyes are on Him. He has already showed up in some mighty big ways. Stories that I can’t wait to tell littlest bear as he/she lay down to sleep at night.
Now, if you’re reading this recognizing that adoption may never be part of your story, it’s okay. But would you pause to consider the other ways you can help? I think many of us understand the weight and tragedy of the orphan crisis around the world, and even what is happening in America today. I’m afraid in our increasingly individualistic culture, we find it easier to turn a blind eye to what’s going on, than sincerely to pause, consider and put into action ways we can actually help. So while you may not be able to welcome a child into your home forever, there are many ways you can get involved.
I’ll plan to share some of these ideas in my next post. But if you’re interested to start now, our agency Lifeline is currently doing a 24 hour fundraiser, concentrated on raising funds necessary to continue the gospel-work of caring for vulnerable children and families. Check out this link for more information: lifelinechild.org/givingday
As always, thank you for taking the time to engage, pray, and lovingly support us as we watch God's plan for us and our son/daughter unfold.
Joyfully in Christ,
