Great Adoption/Orphan Care Links

Since I’ll be busy hosting (without much time for posting) this weekend, I decided to share the top 3 orphan care links/ideas that grabbed me by the heart this week.

1.  Not all Christians are called to adopt, but all Christians are called to care for the fatherless.

A very thoughtful article entitled “Support for Adopting Families”  ran this week at The Home Educating Family Association. It includes a free printout loaded with tips for tangible, sensitive ways to link arms with families who adopt. 

2.  Orphan care needs to be right for the child AND the family…which makes choosing the right agency extremely important. 

I received thoughtful words of caution from a caring reader who experienced some troubling situations with an orphan care agency:

• Some well-meaning agencies craft emotional interaction between orphans and potential adoptive families to “close the deal” –  regardless of whether families are truly willing and able to handle the special needs of the orphan.  The results of “adoption at any cost”  have been disastrous.
• Other agencies are very sensitive to the ways that physical disabilities or trauma experienced by a child (i.e.: past physical abuse) require additional attention. Extra preparation, counseling, and safeguards (for children already in the family) are put in place. A temporary foster situation with the potential adoptive families acts as a “trial run” before lifelong decisions are made.

3.  Children who are welcomed into forever families prayerfully and carefully experience healing love able to overcome incredible challenges.

• See for yourself by reading Nancy’s story about her daughter Tess’ against-all-odds-triumphs. Prepare yourself for some tears and a happy dance.
• Every adoptive family has fears to face. Trusting God and seeking out wise, experienced people and accurate resources provide strength and courage to rise to the occasion.

With all of the obstacles and potential pitfalls involved with adoption I am reminded of the great lengths God went to in order to adopt me. Jesus knew he would have to sacrifice his life so that I could become his sister; and he still chose me. No wonder I can’t escape the cry of the orphan.