1) Because we want to build our family, but do it in a way that reaches further than a desire to be parents. We want to focus on giving a child a loving and stable environment to grow up in. Adoption was not a choice made because we struggled with infertility. It was a choice made based on our deep feelings towards children who are not receiving the care that they deserve.
2) As Christians, we feel that we are called to take care of orphans and in our circumstance we were called to adopt. As we were adopted and loved by our heavenly father, we are expected to reach out our arms to those around us and show them love. Proverbs 24:12 says "...once our eyes are opened we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God who understands our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Adoption was placed on mine and Adam's hearts early on in our marriage and we knew that God wanted this to be our area of focus as Christians and parents.
3) There are too many children who need good homes and we want to be part of the effort that helps them get the parents and family they deserve, rather than be ignorant to their plight. The hard truth is that not enough people are stepping up and stepping out of their comfort zones to give children a home. Having a biological baby (in many circumstances) is cheaper and easier and that decision can be more tempting than going through the effort and finances that adoption requires. We want to give of ourselves and be part of the solution to the orphan crisis.
4) We have the hearts, dedication and desire to advocate on behalf of our children who are adopted and, or have special needs. We want to pour ourselves into them and fight for them to have the best life possible. We recognize that adoption is NOT THE SAME as having a biological baby and that adopted children have experienced some form of trauma, or have a knowledge of a bond being broken. They will deal with different emotions, or physical trauma due to their life stories and we feel prepared to be responsible for helping their stories become beautifully meaningful to them.
5) We want to raise children who have special needs. We are seeking out the opportunity to be a mommy and daddy to a child who has special developmental or physical needs. We can choose to have a child with special needs through adoption and feel emotionally equipped to handle this responsibility.
