Explaining Adoption

     I have a lot of little humans in my life. To many I am Auntie, to others I am their DeDa and to a few I am Miss.  They are each at wonderful stages in their lives and I enjoy every single one of them (Hi Kids!)...of course, their parents are pretty awesome too.  :)
     One conversation that has come up with each parent set is how best to explain the beauty of adoption without triggering a very real fear of being "given away" themselves.   Listed below are a few resources to help stimulate the conversation of God's call to care for orphans (James 1:27), His promise to care for EVERYONE ( Psalm 68:5-6 ), His absolute promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and some kid friendly videos.

• PBS kids has an AWESOME two part episode of Arthur directly relating to adoption from China. I've linked the YouTube episodes here: part 1, part 2. This is perfect for watching together with the kids! 

• There are A LOT of great kid books out there about adoption, which in its self can be overwhelming. But here is a short list of some good conversation starters geared toward preschoolers.
• God Found Us You   by Lisa Tawn Bergren
• A Mother for Choco   by Keiko Kasza
• Shaoey and Dot   by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman
• I Love You Like Crazy Cakes  by Rose Lewis
• I Wished for You   by Marianne Richmond

• The Adoption Journey has a lovely review of the Biblical Perspective of adoption and a great testimony from Tony Dungy, coach of the Super Bowl XLI winning Indianapolis Colts.  This is a great conversation starter for slightly older kiddos...and adults. 

• You may have heard about Mary Beth Chapman (wife of Christian songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman)'s book Choosing to See. I encourage EVERYONE to read this book.  It's not the be all & end all of adoption books, but rather the Chapman family testimony of how God brought the call of adoption into their lives and the resulting love & heartbreak.  Get yourself some chocolate & Kleenex...you'll need both with this book.

• At church we have been working our way through the book of Romans and most recently God's call to care for each other as family (Romans 15 & 16). While this week's sermon was not a classic adoption sermon (sans James 1:27), I thought it gave wonderful insight as Christians adopting each other into our larger family of God.  You can watch the podcast here.  I challenge you to view it through the eyes of adoption...into what family have you been adopted?  Who do I need to adopt into my family?