Some people ask - why? Why adopt internationally when there are so many children in the US in foster homes that need families. Why not just get on the waiting list for a baby with down syndrome in the States? It's cheaper and easier - so why not?
The answer for us was - that is not what the Lord had in mind for us!
Our hearts have been touched by the plight of the orphans around the world. Especially orphans with Down Syndrome. In many, many countries (even the United States - but that is a whole different story - for another blog, and another time ;) children with Down Syndrome are seen as less, valued as nothing. In their countries, their parents are counseled to put them in orphanages and institutions - and the ones that even survive to be able to be adopted are the lucky ones - most will die from untreated medical conditions before they ever have that chance. Services for families who choose to keep their children with down syndrome in their homes are few, and the stigma is great :( And the ones that don't get adopted when they are babies face a much more serious fate - at around age 4 they are placed in adult mental institutions where they usually die in the year from abuse, malnutrition, and neglect :(
Several years ago, a little boy with DS from came across my email from a friend who had adopted from China. He was China's "test" or "pilot" child to see if children with DS were desired for adoption at all. The inquiries generated, and his eventual adoption led to China opening up their program to children with DS, whom they had previously deemed "un-adoptable". He was the first orphan I really advocated for - but I believe that children with DS have great potential and deserve more than a life in an orphanage. They flourish in families, learn so much with early intervention, and can lead productive and fulfilling lives. They have value - just like everyone else.
Fast forward to now - a prompting of the spirit - and a little girl in an orphanage an ocean away. A little girl in an orphanage without a family, simply because she was born with an extra chromosome. A little girl without proper medical care, the opportunity of early intervention, the opportunity to go to school, play at the park, take swimming lessons, go to a movie, have brothers and sisters and parents who love her. Someone to pick her up and comfort her when she's hurt, or tired, or sick :( Kids in the foster care system or that will placed with families on the waiting list for babies with DS in the US have a lot of these opportunities. Children in orphanages in Eastern Europe and other countries have none :(
So - besides the Lord prompting us, and this cute little girl choosing us - not the other way around - THAT is why International Adoption. It isn't going to be easy baby, but it will definitely be worth it!!!!
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