National Adoption Month: Introducing, Part 3

Intrigued. Inspired. Challenged. Convicted. All of these could describe the emotions evoked by the next blog I am going to share with you. I am actually going to let the author introduce herself by sharing her "About Me" profile from her blog:

I am a 41 year old, homeschooling mom to 10 wonderful kids. I currently have the amazing opportunity to live in the inner-city experiencing what it means to be part of the urban life scape. I advocate for the elderly, the poor and the illiterate as they wade through our confusing American lives. And I LOVE working with the local police precinct as we search out new ways to build healthy community and reduce crime. Doing all of this in Jesus name - with no strings attached for those we serve, but He's the reason we live the way we do.

There you have it. Ten children (going on eleven - they hope to adopt a biological sibling to one of their children in December or January.) All adoptions through private agencies rather than foster care (explained further in this post.) Each adoption paid in full through God's provision. The majority have been transracial adoptions, and it was the adoption of their first African American child that led to the characteristic that most sets this family apart in my mind. Almost ten years ago they made a conscious decision to move to the inner city in response to God's leading in their life. Earlier this year Dorothy wrote a post detailing the pros and cons of living in the city, and I appreciated her honest perspective. Now God is calling them to move cross-country with their family, and they are obeying His leading in that as well.

Besides writing on her blog, Dorothy has also written a number of posts for the Carolina Hope adoption blog: http://www.carolinahopeadoption.org/blog/archives/author/dorothy/ Many of these address the topic of transracial adoption and have been encouraging to me personally. I appreciated her thoughtful response to a reader regarding this topic on one occasion:

In our family, race and culture as well as physical and mental ability and individual talents, are all parts of the package prepared by the God who made us and areas of each individual to be wisely explored and developed in healthy ways. We are careful to let no one area become too focused, in case it should become an idol to us and bring harm rather than blessing.

Another area addressed by Dorothy in her blog is that of "hidden disabilities" and in particular the challenge of parenting children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.) She encourages other parents facing these same challenges with compassion and understanding.

I have included many links in this post, but on the right-hand side of Dorothy's blog you will find a detailed list of labels if you would like to read more about this special "urban servant" (http://urbanservant.blogspot.com/) I know you will be encouraged and blessed!