02/06/2009

2-6-09: 20 Questions

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We recognize that most, if not all reading this have already committed to an adoption.  Congratulations on taking that step toward adoption!  As an ethical child placement agency, it is also our responsibility to encourage families to look realistically at the big picture.  Adoption is a lifelong process that does not end when the child is placed into your loving arms.  As you prepare to become an international adoptive family, please consider praying about and discussing the following 20 questions addressed in this newspaper article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel :

1. Am I willing to be turned into the parent the child needs me to be?
2. What is my motivation to adopt?
3. What kind of adoption am I comfortable with, and how much can I spend?
4. How long can I wait?
5. If infertility has led me to adoption, have I resolved those issues, realizing they may never completely go away, and allowed myself to grieve?
6. Am I ready to be an open book?
7. What are my adoption expectations?
8. How will I talk with my kids about adoption?
9. How do I feel about educating myself on adoption issues, and educating others along the way?
10. Are there medical and mental health professionals in my community skilled in handling adoption issues?
11. How will I handle issues specifically related to adoption?
12. Am I willing to connect my child with his/her heritage if it's different than mine?
13. Am I comfortable not knowing all the details of my child's past, including medical histories?
14. How much support will my extended family give?
15. Can I handle heartbreak and disappointment?
16. Can I lean on others?
17. Are you ready for anything?

18. Am I willing to let my child take me on a journey instead of imposing my expectations on him/her?                
19. Do I believe love isn't the be-all, end-all?                                                                                                                
20. Can I go the distance?

If you would like to discuss or have concerns with any of these questions, please contact your social worker.

Thank you China Team for sharing this!

02/17/2009

2-17: Update and Podaegis

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Four children have joined their forever families in February, and six families received referrals from Korea in the last week too!  Those waiting for a referral are waiting since December 2007.  
A picture named M2
In conjunction with children coming home and being matched with families, it seems perfect time to learn about podaegis. A podaegi is a Korean blanket or carrier that mother's use to carry around their children. When your child comes home, this is how they will be accustomed to "traveling".  Here are a few links to learn more about podaegi's or baby wearing.



Click here to see how to wear your baby
Click here to see a history of baby wearing
Click here to see benefits of baby wearing