China
Guatemala
Russia
Vietnam
Brazil
India
We are a military family
with an 8 year old biological daughter. We had dreamt of adding to our family
and after surgeries and IVF, we thought that Rachel would remain an only child.
We came to think about adoption because of my husband's many tours overseas,
mainly, in Asia. He did humanitarian work and visited orphanages in many Asian
countries. Every time he'd return from a trip, he'd mention that we should
think about adopting but I was the one who just wasn't sure.
What if I didn't love the child
like our Rachel, I'd ask. What if it had a negative affect on Rachel bringing
another child into the family? I had all the arguments against adoption but,
luckily, John would not give up! Two years passed before I would embrace the
idea and ask for a family meeting. Yes, this was a decision we would all have to
agree with! Much to my surprise, Rachel was thrilled with the idea of having a
little brother!!! Now, to find an agency!!!
I interviewed about eight
different agencies with programs in Asia. The country didn't really matter as
long as we would be a forever family for one of those children that John had
seen time after time in different Asian countries. After some more research and
many interviews, we decided on Vietnam and chose an agency that was no where
near where we lived in North Carolina. I was so impressed with my initial
e-mails to Keith. Then, I spoke to Megan McGinn, our Vietnam country coordinator
and that was that! The fact that we were so far away was no problem for her. She
was already hunting down a home study agency for us before I had even told her
that we decided to go with FTIA. She was my lifeline through the process.
I think I e-mailed her at least every other day and never missed a week throughout the adoption process! If a week went by with no e-mails from me, Megan would have her computer checked! Even from Vietnam, she was there for us! I'll never forget the day Megan called with our referral. It was so unbelievable to me that you could fall in love with a picture! I had spent two years worrying if I could love an adopted child like my biological child and now, I was in love with a picture of our son!!!!
I thought "the call" was the referral call but, five months later, I would learn that "the call" is the one telling you of your Giving and Receiving date!!! The next two weeks flew by in a flurry of activity and disbelief!
Finally, the day comes. It's
August 13, 2001. We are in Vietnam and leaving for the Soc Trang
orphanage at 3AM from our hotel lobby. I am amazed at the sights and sounds
going on even at that hour. I don't think there is ever a time in HCMC that
there isn't activity on the street! This was the most amazing leg of our
journey. Not just because our son was waiting at the end of it but, it was an
incredible opportunity to see his country. I wouldn't waste a moment of it
sleeping! The six hours actually went rather quickly as I took in the sights. As
we pull up to the orphanage, I see little boys having their breakfast and wonder
what my little boy is doing at that very moment! We are brought into a room and
given a snack and some water after our long journey. Of course all we want is to
be united with our son! I don't eat a bite as I study everything that is going
on and try to figure out when our son will arrive. Wouldn't you know it! We
are out getting something out of the van as his caregiver brings him in!!!! We
walk in and spot him immediately! He looks just like he did in his pictures! I
want to hold him! As I am finally united with my son, now days away from turning
8 months old, he grabs tightly onto my shirt as if he knows who I am. I expected
him to resist. As I hold him, I am overcome with emotion and can't stop
crying. This is no different than the way I felt when I first held my daughter.
I will never forget it!
Ian is so happy all the way back to the hotel! He laughs and claps. We can't believe what a miracle he is! That night, my husband and I bathed him, put on his pajamas, gave him a bottle and watched our dream become a reality.
Ian is such a wonderful addition to our family. We are often told how lucky Ian is to have joined our family. It's funny but I think WE are the lucky ones!!!
John and Linda
Rachel 8
Ian 11mos
