Several weeks ago I came across a blogger named Shaun Groves that I had not bumped into prior on the World Wide Web - it was his article that caught my attention “Six Things Adoption Has Taught Me” which as usual brought me to tears just as it does each time I read about adoption. Maybe it was the statement he made in the first thing adoption taught him : “What if God’s will for our life is found wherever someone’s need and our ability intersect?” or was it how he ended the article by saying: “4 out of 5 orphans could be at home today, speaking their native language, eating their favorite foods, kissed goodnight by Mom, hearing “I love you” from Dad in words they understand. Adoption is great but orphan prevention is best.”
I have dreamed of adopting a child since I was twelve years old when I went on my first mission trip – Until I read Shaun Groves article I have gone through life thinking my dream has gone completely unfulfilled until I was reminded that sometimes our dreams are not as we plan them to be.
Five years ago while hosting a MOPS leadership meeting in my local area I picked (adopted) a child to sponsor off of the Compassion International Table – I choose our little boy Thobiasi Medalidi Banzi from Tanzantita he was born just two weeks earlier then my youngest.
For the past 5 years we have sent in our monthly support , read numerous letters he has sent us and prayed that God would use what he has blessed us with to make a difference in Thobiasi’s life.
It wasn’t until I read Shaun Groves article and read the statement “4 out of 5 orphans could be at home today, speaking their 
native language, eating their favorite foods, kissed goodnight by Mom, hearing “I love you” from Dad in words they understand. Adoption is great but orphan prevention is best.” That it occurred to me that I had adopted this child from a distance and have given him the opportunity to not only receive an education but to remain with his family, speak his native language, eat his favorite foods and be kissed each night by his birth mother. Though I may never have the opportunity to hold my little adopted boy in my arms, kiss him on the cheek or place my hands on his head to pray for him at bedtime - I have now come to the understanding that I am truly blessed to have discovered the joy in adopting a child from a distance.
Shaun Groves then ended his article “Six Things Adoption Has Taught Me” with the following
“Today I can keep families together. I can do something to meet the basic needs of children living in poverty in my own community and around the world.”
Have you ever dreamed of adopting a child or desired to make a difference in the life of another? Join me on the journey of adopting a Child from Compassion International and fulfilling the dreams of others – A child who gets the opportunity to be kissed, loved and cared for each day by his birth family.
