Here we are, only a few weeks from picking up our two beautiful children Tadesse and Biruk from their orphanage in Addis Ababa. Some friends are excited to ask me all sorts of questions, but some hang back, likely afraid that I'll corner them into adopting for themselves.
But I won't. Because I'm not like that. Instead, I'm going to tell you why you shouldn't.
1. You are way too old.
Everyone knows that no parents are better than old parents. After all, you'd likely embarrass your kid at graduation and probably be the oldest one, a 60-year-old standing next to all those perky 40-year-olds.
2. You have biological kids, and orphans should be saved for the childless.
Because there's ten waiting, childless couples for every one of the millions of orphans (and that's in Ethiopia alone).
3. Adoption is super expensive.
You can't foot the bill yourself, and there is no funding help (like this) available, and who has the time to come up with adoption fundraising ideas (like this and this and this)?
4. The paperwork is atrocious.
A home study and all that notarizing? Who has time for that? It's okay to prefer bird watching.
5. Your house is too small.
Every kid needs his own room, and let's not forget that every house needs a storage room, exercise room, office, and library. Besides, those kids in the orphanage are used to living ten to a room. Let them stay there.
6. The Bible is neutral on this position.
James 1: 27, Psalm 68: 5-6, and Matthew 18: 5 are not examples. I'm sure they have to stand for something else.
7. You are planning for retirement.
Let's admit it. Spending your days in your RV and evenings playing Bridge are much more exciting than welcoming another child into the family.
Nope, adoption is not for everyone, so instead of trying to persuade you, I'm simply going to tell you a love story...one that I didn't plan or expect or (gasp!) control. Prepare yourselves, because I'm just getting started.
But I won't. Because I'm not like that. Instead, I'm going to tell you why you shouldn't.
1. You are way too old.
Everyone knows that no parents are better than old parents. After all, you'd likely embarrass your kid at graduation and probably be the oldest one, a 60-year-old standing next to all those perky 40-year-olds.
2. You have biological kids, and orphans should be saved for the childless.
Because there's ten waiting, childless couples for every one of the millions of orphans (and that's in Ethiopia alone).
3. Adoption is super expensive.
You can't foot the bill yourself, and there is no funding help (like this) available, and who has the time to come up with adoption fundraising ideas (like this and this and this)?
4. The paperwork is atrocious.
A home study and all that notarizing? Who has time for that? It's okay to prefer bird watching.
5. Your house is too small.
Every kid needs his own room, and let's not forget that every house needs a storage room, exercise room, office, and library. Besides, those kids in the orphanage are used to living ten to a room. Let them stay there.
6. The Bible is neutral on this position.
James 1: 27, Psalm 68: 5-6, and Matthew 18: 5 are not examples. I'm sure they have to stand for something else.
7. You are planning for retirement.
Let's admit it. Spending your days in your RV and evenings playing Bridge are much more exciting than welcoming another child into the family.
Nope, adoption is not for everyone, so instead of trying to persuade you, I'm simply going to tell you a love story...one that I didn't plan or expect or (gasp!) control. Prepare yourselves, because I'm just getting started.
