#030: Christy Largent – Our Adoption Story (Podcast)

This week I get to share about our adoption story.  In case you didn’t know, this is National Adoption Month and so I figured what better time to talk about one of my favorite subjects…me! Just kidding.  Well, sort of.  Actually, it’s the miraculous way our family was formed that I love to talk about.  Since we adopted from China, that’s my area of expertise.  And, it’s been 10 years since we came home with Amelia and almost 7 years since we came with Graham, so things are a bit different now.

If you are interested in adoption, how it works, who it’s a fit for and how to get started, then you’ll love this podcast. I don’t have a lot of notes this week, as the story is the main thing, but I did want to give you a few great resources if you are curious and want to learn more information.

www.adoption.com  – This is a literal bounty of information on all things adoption.  Seriously.  Start here.

 

www.adoptionhorizons.com – This is the agency we worked with.  Super awesome!

www.bethany.org – Bethany Christian Services is a non-profit dedicated to helping families.  Specifically in the areas of foster care, adoption and post-adoptive support.  It’s a great agency.  I’m biases because my sister-in-law used to work for them.  Local offices can be found nationwide.

www.adoptivefamilies.com – This is a magazine, but it also has good information on its website.

You can read all about our adoption journey to get Graham here and at joyfuljourneyexperience.blogspot.com

I’m also so fortunate to have won 2 tickets to this adoption conference next year.  Created For Care is a conference for adoptive moms.  My friend who adopted a sibling group of 4 from Etheopia is coming with me.  She went last year and said it was fantastic.  I’ll have to do an update in February after I’ve attended.  I do know they have lots of ongoing support, so be sure to check out their beautiful website.  Thanks Mary Ostyn at OwlHaven for the generous gift!  Can’t wait!

Of course, I have to showcase some of my favorite books to recommend for adoption:

Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge. This is a classic. I have read it several times. It’s really difficult to get through, but sometimes we have to look at what’s uncomfortable to do the best for our children. This book is a must if you are thinking of and/or have adopted.

And for after you have adopted…20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed..Discover the Unique Need of Your Adopted Child and Become the Best Parent You Can, also by Sherrie Eldridge.

And this book,  Adoption For Dummies, helped us get an overview of adoption.  Although today, I think you could do better research online at the websites I listed above.

Additionally, there are a bounty of adoption agencies.  Just google adoption and your city and see what pops up.  I’d love to hear about your journey too!

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Ephesians 1:5 “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

Question:  Have you ever considered adoption?  Why or why not?  What did you relate to from our adoption story?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Please comment below.