Second, many, many, many people are asking about the orphans of Haiti, orphans of Three Angels, and how they can help or offering to open their homes, both temporarily and permanent. To answer many of the questions about Three Angels children, they are all in homes. Thank you for asking though!
Now, may I say something that I hope doesn't come across wrong? Not sure why I asked because I am going to say it. ; ) Many people are throwing out offers left and right to bring a Haitian child into their home, and although I think it is great that so many care, I'm not sure that many are truly prepared for what might lie ahead. There should be NO rash decisions made. First of all, many of the children won't speak an ounce of English. Second, their culture is NOTHING like ours and these kids have been exposed to situations we cannot begin to comprehend. Third, there are steps that would need to be taken before anyone could actually open up their home. Our local social services will be involved with these cases and from what I understand homestudies have to be done, which can be costly.
Also, our kids have been home now...the girls for a year and a half and Noah ten months. The girls are still adjusting to this life, learning our culture and what is acceptable and what is not. Noah too, obviously, having been here for a lesser amount of time. The girls have struggled in different ways than how Noah struggles, largely due to the time he spent away from the orphanage. I'm not complaining, just saying. Even though they knew for a long time they were coming here. Even though I knew Creole. Even though we were aware of what challenges we might face, having had a LONG time to prepare for them. Even though, even though, even though, even though....it's hard for them. It's hard for us. It's hard. Having said that, I haven't regretted for one moment that the Lord gave me these children. They are my children in every way and I will always be thankful for them!
I'm not trying to discourage anyone from pursuing this, I just would want you to be aware of what is involved. You would have a child in your home that doesn't understand a word you say and who has been taken out of all they have ever known. They won't necessarily look at it as you "rescuing" them. For many, in their little minds, there wasn't anything wrong with their life.
I guess I'm just saying, please pray before making any decision. Make sure it is what the Lord is asking of you and not simply your heart strings being pulled for the moment. The Lord gives us grace to do His will, not necessarily ours.
6 comments:
Well said Michelle. I have had people asking me about adopting, which is good, but I don't think they really understand what it involves.
We are very interested in the Haiti situation 1) because I've been to Haiti 2) we've been in process and are aware of the ups/downs/what to expect 3) we have a home study approved for two children.
I think people's hearts are in the right place, but it can't be just because for the moment you are sad for the situation.
perfect. thanks for being that voice of experience!
Amen!! I am an adoptive mother as well (sibling group, domestic, so we didn't exactly have the language problems, but we did have vocabularly problems- the girls did not understand our vocabulary in many situations as their communication skills were so severely delayed).
I can't tell you how much I appreiciate this post.
Thank you.
:)
perfectly said Michelle!
Evan now Jonas has been home a year and there are times he looks at me like he has no freakin idea what I just said! :o
Thank you a hundred times for this post! I have been wanting to write something along these lines for days, but I didn't want to come across as judgmental or discouraging. You really handled this subject well- honestly, and with grace!
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