Special Needs Kiddos

When finally I decided to adopt, I was very open in age range, gender, and special needs. As a teacher and missionary, I have been so very blessed by many children with special needs throughout my life. At first it was a little intimidating, but after a while, I forgot that they were any different from anyone else. And the joy they brought to those around them was such a blessing!!

I didn't begin researching adoption specifically to adopt a child with special needs. At first I, like many other adoptive families, wanted to adopt the youngest, healthiest infant possible. But once I started looking at things that were considered special needs, like an extra finger, being in a sibling group, heart murmur, I realized lots of people I know would be considered to have special needs. My sisters and I all had heart murmurs when we were little, one of my sisters is deaf in one ear, my niece had a grand mal seizure last year--and really, there's nothing any of us aren't able to do.

So, before I applied to the Ethiopia program, I applied to Holt's waiting child program. Open to any country, and many special needs. The week after I applied, Eden's picture was placed on the photolisting, I requested her info, and the rest is history!

When I received Eden's referral, she was tiny, malnourished, and a little delayed. I felt like since she was in an orphanage, she wouldn't gain much weight or developmentally before I went to get her. And I was right. She's still very tiny and delayed. But has a very good prognosis with lots of love, food, and therapy. I am amazed everyday at how much she's changing!

Sometimes I feel sad for her being so far behind others her age. Then I remember, she doesn't know she's behind, and she would rather me hold her all day long everyday than learn to pull herself to sitting, crawl, or walk!! And I think of how much she can do now--just after 7 weeks! My girl is so determined, so amazing!

And, even though she's 20 months old, I got my infant girl, in size and development. I get to see most of her "firsts", and she still wears 6-12 month clothes. She's also pretty healthy! She smiles all the time, and is just a joy!

So, if you are considering adoption, pray about whether or not one of the waiting children might be waiting for you!

Here's Eden giving Baby Elephant a bottle: