When I was a three-week old little baby, my parents excitedly brought me home from the adoption agency, thrilled with the precious gift of a child that they’d received after much time spent praying and waiting on God.

But my story begins much before that moment, with a bittersweet but loving sacrifice made by birthparents who desired to give their child something they felt would be very special: a home on a farm with Christian parents and the opportunity to grow up with advantages they felt they could not provide.

Many times people who give their children up for adoption are looked at as selfish and self-serving; and perhaps in some situations this is the case. But the decision of my birthmother and father was unselfish, generous, even though it was painful and difficult for both them and their families. Abortion was not an option. They recognized that even though they were in a unexpected situation, their child should have the gift of life (just as every child should, expected or not!).

 

My life as a child of adoption was honestly very non-eventful. For a few years, my parents sought to have biological children but at the time lived in a very rural area of the country where many medical interventions were expensive or hard to come by. They trusted that God had decided to grow their family through adoption, and after what seemed an agonizing wait (even though it was only a few months time), they brought me home! My two brothers came to us through adoption as well.

I’ve shared before my perspective of life as an adopted child, and though there are things that every adoptive family should keep in mind when they bring a child into their home, being adopted does not have to make a child feel different or less loved or as though they don’t belong. I was told from the beginning that I was adopted and offered the opportunity to learn what my parents knew about my birth family (it was a close adoption, so there wasn’t much they knew). I feel that this was an important part of having an open and honest relationship with my parents about my adoption.

As a young child, I remember my mother reminding me that in a way Jesus was adopted by Joseph (maybe not the most Biblically accurate interpretation, but it is true in some ways!) And truthfully as Christians, we are all adopted! It says in Ephesians 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” When we are brought into the family of Christ we are given all the blessings and faithful mercy of our loving God. I am so very thankful that my parents gave me that same unconditional love, even if sometimes they didn’t express it with words! 
 
After waiting for another adopted friend to turn 18, she and I opened a “call” or “search” for our birthparents together. When I was in my twenties, I met my birthmother and we often keep in touch. She has been able to meet my husband and children several times as well! Even though we are still navigating the somewhat choppy waters of a unique relationship, the chances we’ve had to talk and share stories have been a blessing to me {and I hope she would say the same, if she’s reading this ;)}. I was also able to exchange a few letters with my birthfather before he passed away several years ago. I am incredibly thankful that my search turned out in such a marvelous way and that my birthmom is able to share with me the blessing of being part of the family of God.
 
Often I have been asked if I feel called to adopt children, since I am an adopted child. I truly believe that adoption is a call that God places on people’s hearts! At the same time, it is not everyone’s call. At this time my husband and I don’t feel that the Lord is pulling us in that direction, but we trust that “faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) We continue to encourage and support our friends who pursue this high calling! 
 
I’m so excited to tell you that you’ll be hearing from some of those friends on Friday! Our friends Doug and Sara adopted three children through a very unique situation that could only have been brought about by the Lord. I hope you’ll take the time to read their story! (In the mean time, tomorrow we’ll continue with our Simplifying and Serving During the Christmas Season series, talking about finding time for opportunities to serve others!)

If you are an adopted child, what was your experience like? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

Other Posts in This Series:

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7 Comments on My Adoption Story and a Question: Are we Called to Adopt?

  1. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories! It’s amazing to see what God has done in each of your lives or the lives of adopted children you know.

  3. We have one adopted daughter and 3 biological children. Our daughter came to us at 7 days old 23 years ago and we were so excited to have her. She was a fun loving, social little girl and always a challenge. At this point she has chosen not to follow the Lord despite a decision she made as a child. Our heart breaks over her, but when people ask if we still think adoption is right, I tell them, “It cannot be wrong for Christians to take in children who need a family.” But I also tell them to not push and push, but to let God work. In our case, there were some circumstances (like the fact that she was 7 days old and the youngest normally given to their future homes was 3 months in the country we lived in) that made it very clear she was to be our God-given daughter. That knowledge has helped us through this difficult time. I don’t think adoption is for everyone, but I believe it IS God’s will for some. Thanks for sharing your story.

    I’m visiting through Titus 2sdays.

  4. Thank you for sharing your story. I have four of my own children and always thought I’d adopt. My younger two children came to me later in life and finances have prevented me from adopting. But I love to pray parents through to adoption. I know that it is very close to the heart of God but you are right, it’s not for everyone, although everyone can take some little part in it.

  5. Beautiful story, Jenn! We have friends at church who adopted five little boys (long story, they only planned to adopt one, but were asked to take brothers/cousins too!) It’s so neat to see them interact. I heard they felt sorry for their non-adopted sister, because adoption is such a beautiful picture of the Christian life! :)

  6. I’ve always wanted to adopt but my husband is not on board and that’s okay. We don’t have the finances to do it anyway. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sure it’s an interesting dynamic to have your birth mother in your life and to build that relationship.

    Blessings,
    Mel
    Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God

  7. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts on adoption.I am the auntie of 3 adopted children who have been a tremendous blessing to our entire family! Our young-adult children love their adopted cousins and have expressed a desire to adopt one day, too!

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