When I was a little girl, I knew that my dreams were different. As other little ones dreamed of fancy weddings and babies who had their nose or eyes, I was attached to books like Anne of Green Gables and hoped to travel the world. I just knew those dreams, so valid and perfect for most, were not how I was going to have a family. Adoption has always been my first choice…however I was always waiting for the time to be just right.  

I have seen firsthand the lives children waiting for adoption live. I’ve  seen orphanages, no matter how well funded and clean, that cannot replace a family. I’ve picked up children with my own hands who desperately just wanted to be held- something they may have only had done once that day. I’ve also seen the joy of reunification of families, of children being cared for in their own communities, with those abandoned and in need looking on longingly. Its heart breaking. Each time, it instills in me even more that this is the life I was meant to lead, and each child I hold and help is leading me closer to my own.

Over the past 2 years I’ve started and stopped my adoption thoughts over and over again. Recently, I was gifted a piece of art in my home with the saying ‘She designed a life she loved.’ After reading this, I knew it to be true, and that the time WAS right.

I am so excited (and honestly, scared, thrilled, terrified…but never second guessing) to start on my journey to my own unique family.  I have chosen to adopt from Asia, from a country that I know and love. Not only am I excited to come together with my child to create new experiences, but also to keep them connected to their home country and culture.  I feel lucky enough to live in an area that will help to foster those connections while helping this special child in their transition.

I’ve spent most of my professional career understanding the trauma of kids in and outside of institutionalized care, foster care, and advocating for communities in need. I am hoping that through my experience I will be able to advocate and find the resources to help my child have a positive transition and feel safe, secure, and loved at our home. There are going to be a lot of bumps and challenges along the way, but I know I am up to the task.

This is all well and good, and my experience I am sure will lend me at least a step up in this type of parenting, but theres a long road to go before that.

It is common knowledge that international adoption is expensive. I wish that I was in the situation to afford all of the costs with no help, and no waiting. However, while I make a decent income, do my best to live within my means, its just not the case. Overall, I hope to do everything I can to raise the $35,000 fees associated with creating my family. I will be doing my best through saving, taking on extra work, applying for grants, but I hope financial barriers will not delay the process of bringing my child home and connecting us forever. Why so much? Agency fees of course, but translation fees, homestudy fees, travel, clearances, medical files, government fees all play a part in adoption. This is what these funds will go toward. I have set a financial goal of raising $28,000 through several different platforms to help ease the financial burden that can overwhelming all at once! 

I’ve attended more baby showers, bridal showers, and sprinkles than I can count. At each one, I always hoped that when my time came, my friends and family would stand by me while my perfect family was formed. I am grateful to all those around me who have already showed me so much excitement and support. I hope you will consider being apart of my journey to finally creating my perfectly imperfect family.