The Faces of Special Needs Adoption - Sunday Snapshot

Six years ago when we first started on this journey called adoption, we had never heard of Special Needs Adoption.  As we attended various information sessions from different adoption agencies, we began to learn about this particular kind of adoption.  When they described the types of needs that were considered "Special" for China adoption, I was shocked at how minor they could be - clubfoot, age, cleft lip, cleft palate, congenital heart problems, limb differences, vision problems, hearing problems, etc.  After hearing about this option, I knew immediately that this is the program we would use to add to our family. 

After we signed with our agency, I started watching their Waiting Child list as this is where the "Special" kids could be found.  We originally considered one child, but she was already matched.  So we ended up requesting to be matched with a different child.  Alas, she ended up being matched with a different family.  Finally, my daughter kept staring at me asking "What is taking you so long?"  She was older than we had originally considered, but I couldn't get that look out of my mind.  So, we requested to be matched with her and a short seven months later, we brought her home.  Here is her referral picture and a picture of her taken this weekend:

Then just over a year ago, God tugged on our hearts again. This time, it would be a 9 yr old boy.  Here are his referral picture and a picture from this weekend.

Then there is our oldest son.  He is truly special.  We nearly missed him.  But GOD had a different plan.  If you don't know the story, please click on the links at the top on the left that say Our Journey - parts 1 through 5.  Here is his referral picture and a picture from this weekend. 

So, if God has placed adoption on your heart, please consider the possibility that he has placed a "Special Needs" adoption in your path.  You might find your child(ren) there.