Our adoption journey began in April of 2002, when I found out I was 17 weeks pregnant with our 6th son. Although I wasn't trying for a girl, I thought for sure that this pregnancy would produce one. I know at some level I was disappointed on that fateful ultrasound day, but our son to be would only know that he was truly wanted and cherished. After Owen was born, I returned to my work as a labor and delivery nurse feeling strongly that my childbearing years were over, but somehow yearning to emirs myself once again in the family building process. I had friends with daughters, and found myself fantasizing about the things mothers must share with their daughters, wishing I could have those experiences.
In September of 2004, my fantasizing brought me to the internet for inquiry purposes. As I researched adoption, I immediately became deterred because of the expense. How could I afford this? As I searched deeper, I became compelled to find away to afford it. There are millions of children world wide that have little significance to any one. How can that be!!!!!! Many children are abandoned secondary to poverty, government stipulations, or parental death. I thought of how painful it would be if I couldn't keep one of our children. I thought of the mothers giving up their precious children because of their own impending death, or poverty. I could only imagine how their heart must hurt when they long to hold their precious children, but can't. I put myself in their shoes and realized that I would cry out to God, "PLEASE send someone to love my baby!" It was in the wake of this enlightenment that my non biological pregnancy began. I was going to be a mother again, but this time I didn't have to gain weight.
Alla was clear that the trip may be difficult, and for me, it was beyond difficult. I was an emotional wreck, having left behind my six precious sons. Alla did a lot of leg work, keeping my family abreast of situations while simultaneously facilitating a smooth in country process. She was amazing. And now for the best part...........Hannah
On my journey I met Hannah. This little blond haired, blue eyed girl that smile melts the hearts of absolutely everyone that meets her. I have been approached by strangers who want to comment on her beauty. It's her inner beauty that radiates out. Her smile is infectious. Although she rarely smiled when we first met, it didn't take her long to respond to the love being offered. These orphans are like little dried up flowers. Once love, like water, is poured over them they blossom into their full potential. And do you know what happened. I set out to make a difference, and now 9 lives are changed forever for the better.
If you have thought about adoption, remember, no cost will ever be greater than the benefit to everyone that is touched by your experience. This was by far the hardest and longest labor, but the reward has reached further than I could have ever imagined. Hannah has made every part of every day better. Thank you to Adoption Ark for your commitment to professionalism, integrity and most of all ME AND MY GIRL!