Adoption: Some Honest Reflections

My wife and I have been trying to get pregnant for the past 3 years of our marriage. We actually got pregnant 9 months ago, but my wife miscarried. If there's any consolation, at least we know that we're not infertile. We are now just trying and praying to God. In this process, we've contemplated adoption. As we've considered adopting a child, I've stumbled over 3 primary concerns: money, love, and process. I'll go into these in greater detail. Please keep in mind that these are only my first thoughts on adoption as a possible parent. I haven't yet done enough research.

Finances are tight. We are still getting ourselves out of debt due to some very negative spending habits during the beginning of our marriage. I was wanting to put off children, but my wife gently reminded me that having a child while tight financially is of more value than not having a child but being more free with money. Children always win over money. (At least they should.) We are desiring to make the sacrifice. While this state of mind is just fine for having your own children, I'll bet that an adoption agency has stricter financial requirements for those they accept. There's also the adopting fees. As of now, I don't think we can afford adoption.

When the subject of adoption first was mentioned in our marriage, I didn't give it much consideration. My mind has always been firm on fathering my own children. I've always thought part of the love I'd experience for my child would be the wonderful thought that he is from me. (Yes, I'm planning for a son.) As I have contemplated it further, however, I really trust I could love an adopted child just the same. Love is more of a committment of the heart than a magical feeling of oneness. Plus the thought that I "rescued" this child would provide magical feelings in the process. Possibly I'd even think of myself as a hero!

A final issue I've considered when contemplating adoption is a fear of the drawn out process. I regularly hear horror stories of the time and money required to adopt a child. A friend of mine even experienced a situation where there surfaced a risk the birth mother could take the child back six or so months after the fact. I'd want to be sure of the outcome before starting the process. I also hear occasions of adoptive parents traveling internationally to find a child with the only expense being a plane ticket. Could it be so simple?

Here's the truth: I haven't researched adoption adequately to know the truth about these money, love, and process concerns. Well, I do know that I will love whatever child with whom God blesses us. This article is just the first step in my desire to understand these issues. I have even set up a web site at which I plan to receive articles from others weighing adoption or adoptive parents. I invite you to send an article as well. You don't have to be an expert -- I know I'm not! There isn't even a need to be a great writer. Your knowledge on the topic is highly valued.

Article Source: http://www.christiannotepad.com

Matt Garimentis provides more information about adoption at adoption. Publishers: get a distinct version of this article from web content.