(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

This past weekend in Seattle was an important one for me in a lot of ways. I wrote about the wonderful conference I attended for AHOPE for Children in this post and that was the point of the trip and the main focus, however there were... more

I am a firm believer that adoptive parents have an obligation to find ways to give back to "something". Adoptive parents are often portrayed as being selfish and uncaring about the challenges and issues existing in this world that make orphans available in the first place. Transracial adoptive parents are often accused by critics of transracial adoption of not really caring about their children's country and/or culture of birth.

While our priority as transracial adoptive parents must be raising the wonderful and incredible children that we have been entrusted with to the very best of our abilities, I... more

I just got back from a wonderful, whirlwind weekend in Seattle, where I attended the Imagine AHOPE conference for AHOPE for Children. I was one of about 16 people who joined together to share dreams and make plans for AHOPE's future. People traveled from all over the U.S., Canada and Ethiopia, and the dedication and passion was overwhelming and incredible.

What has left the biggest impression on me, is how much good has been done and how many children are having their lives changed for the better. What started because one... more

(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

Adoption is a choice. It is a choice in a lot of different ways.

Adoption is a choice for parents who are unable to care for their children. It is a way for them to provide for their children. For some parents adoption is a choice instead of abortion. For some parents adoption is a choice instead of extreme poverty and suffering. There are many other reasons a parent could choose adoption for her child. It is certainly never an easy choice for... more

(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

When people think of risky behavior, they tend to think of things like sky-diving, bank robbing and running with the bulls. While it may not make it to the top of any "risky" lists, adoption is fairly risky.

For adoptive parents, adoption is emotionally risky. You are putting your hopes and dreams into a process that is controlled... more

(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

For parents just about to get in line to ride the adoption roller coaster, let me warn you that it is not a gentle ride!! The highs are super high, the lows are ridiculously low and the turns are fast and hairpin.

Like amusement park rides have warnings that certain rides are not recommended for "expectant women, people with high blood... more

(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

As I have been working to define adoption, it has become clear that adoption is a lot of things. Sometimes the things that "adoption is" are even contradictory. For example it true that "adoption is love" and yet it is also true that "adoption is a business".

Adoption is complicated. It is... more

So far in my definition of adoption I have said that adoption is life changing, adoption is hope, adoption is expensive and adoption is a business. All of these are pieces of my own personal definition of adoption, which I am going to continue to build on throughout November... more

(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

Adoption is life changing.

To say that something is life changing is some what cliche, but in this case, it is also very true. Adoption IS life changing. It permanently alters the lives of all involved, whether they are birth parents, adoptive parents or the children being adopted.

Children who often had little hope for their futures, have hope for much because of adoption.

Parents who want children have a way to build their... more

(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

Adoption is hope. It is hope for a better future and a better life for a child.

We often hear about how loss is a big part of adoption. It is true that any child available for adoption has experienced loss. He has been separated from his birth mother and family. He has lost his first home. In international adoption, the child has lost his country and culture of birth. Children from foster care (and children adopted internationally) have often... more