Bailee entered our lives in 1998, following the death of our first adoption referral (the orphanage in Vietnam was hit by malaria). We still consider Eilish as our first child, because, even though we only held her picture in our hands, we already loved her. It was very painful for us, especially since so many people around us did not understand the grief we felt. After all - she wasn't really ours yet. We'd never held her in our arms. Only our friends who suffered through miscarriages understood how our empty arms hurt.
We received our referral for Bailee months later. Her picture seemed to cry out - "Love me!" We did. Instantly. We will always be eternally grateful to Bailee's birthmother. She was in her 40s, widowed, working in the rice paddies, living with her sister's family, and already had three older sons. She wanted a better life for her daughter. In an incredible bit of bravery, she confided that she wanted her to be raised to pray to Jesus. She did this at great personal risk, and I was forever impressed by her deep love for her daughter AND her courage. I pray that she and her family have been greatly blessed for their sacrifice and charity to us.
The past thirteen years have been an incredible journey and a greater blessing than I can even begin to describe. Bailee is the center and joy of our lives. She has grown into a beautiful and caring young woman with many accomplishments. I hope that we have fulfilled our commitment to her birthmother.
There's always a great deal of controversy when it comes to adoption, abortion, and keeping a child when one is faced with an unwanted pegnancy. I just want to say that putting a child up for adoption may be the greatest gift a young man and woman can give to those who desire a child and are unable to do so on their own. I wish more people would consider it as an option. It was the answer to all our hopes and dreams, and it allowed a little girl to have the life her birthmother wanted for her.
I'm hoping that somewhere out there, someone will read this and be influenced to read and share the following website:
http://oshinandtraceysadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/
Tracey and Oshin are wonderful people who are just beginning their adoption journey. I hope that this post will help them to connect with someone who can help them achieve their dreams too.
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