The Ripple Effect

One of the most incredible parts of the adoption experience is the number of people that are touched by the process. It excites me that, in some way, we might be the spark that helps someone consider adoption, choose to get involved in orphan care, travel on a mission trip, etc. We have been fortunate to have good friends who have influenced our decision to adopt. Their adoption experience has, no doubt, had an impact on our family. We have learned so much from them, gained so much support from them and continue to receive so much encouragement from them!!!


(my wonderful friend and her beautiful daughter)

This is a picture of my awesome friend and her daughter. Her little girl came home from Guatemala about three years ago and has been a blessing to many since she has been here! I have heard countless stories of people that have witnessed her adoption and been moved by her story. It is awesome when people that had never even considered adopting start to think about it because they see a wonderful family do it and are able to see the blessings that follow.

I love the quote (by Paul Shane Spear) "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person." I look forward to changing the life of the one little girl we hope to bring home. This is a beautiful sentiment, but I really think that through one adoption, many more lives are changed. Take, for instance, all of the friends and relatives of ours that had no idea we were planning to adopt. It may come as a surprise to some of them. Now they are thinking about it and hopefully it doesn't seem too weird... Maybe they will tell someone about us, who talks to someone else about it, and maybe that person is interested in learning more about adoption, etc. What an awesome "ripple effect!" Or, maybe, young people that go through the process with us will learn from our experience. I know our children will grow up realizing that adoption is an option and an experience that can be part of any family. On Christmas Eve we told more of our family that we were in the process of adopting. Our 18 year old nephew said "I think that's cool. I would like to do that some day." His girlfriend said the same thing! How exciting to hear something like that from young people. They didn't seem to think it was weird at all! It just makes me smile to think about the potential "ripple effect" we may have!!!

(Our nephew and his girlfriend)

I look forward to 2010 and all of the "ripples" that come along the way!!!
Happy New Year!!!