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The "adoption community" was a term that I was not fond of prior to adopting. I am adopted, and I never felt part of "the community" - I just felt like part of my family. I did not understand what that really meant until I became an adoptive parent myself.

I take nothing away from biological parents. I, too, experienced the joy of carrying Allison in my belly, feeling her kick and bonding with her for 9 months before I saw her beautiful face. Adoption is the same in many respects, but also very different. There were pregnant woman all around me when I was pregnant. It was easy to be part of THAT community. Heck, when we were trying to conceive our second child, Jeff and I felt like there was something in the water, well, everyone's water except ours. We would go out and see hundreds of pregnant women at the mall. Well, probably not hundreds, but those who went through fertility issues know what I am talking about... didn't you feel like a magnet for pregnant women? Now, I swear I only see a few here and there (I know now it is because I am not noticing.)

The "biological community," it seems was what everyone was a part of. It was just understood. I remember the first time we went "officially" shopping for furniture and the sales clerk asking when we were "expecting".... I felt the need to "overly" explain myself (which is not odd for me in normal situations). I told her that we were not sure, then went into the details of our process. She immediately showed me the one book and baby book that the store carried....Or the time someone said they were "sorry" that we had to adopt as if it was a conciliation prize... or worse, a friend who said they thought about adoption, but it would be a last resort for them...I know what they meant, but that was not the way that I felt. It was not a last resort for me. If you have time, go back to the beginning of my blog January of 2007. It tells how we got here.

We chose this... but at times, I feel like adoption chose US.

It was not until I started blogging when I realized how much a part of the "adoption community" I needed to be. Answers were there. Friendly people in the same boat. People who understood the process. People who made me feel a part of the group. Finally, a place where all people talked about was how great adoption was, and I was certainly lucky to have found a place here. At times, I feel like the blog is like having a seat at the "cool table" in the cafeteria. There are MANY of you with whom I have forged strong bonds. People who saw me through the waiting, the longing, the heartbreak and the joy. You really all knew just what to say because you knew exactly what YOU needed to hear when you were in my shoes. I am forever grateful for the blogging "adoption community" and all of the friends that I have made here. People who get it - who get this part of my life like no one else can.

I thank GOD everyday for my wonderful family and friends who have been so supportive of our choice to adopt. Those who love our son as much as they love our daughter. Those who never questioned our resolve in doing this, when we told them that we were doing this with an amazing gap of 12 years between children. They knew it would be difficult, but they were supportive anyway....even when things looked bleak in Guatemala...even when we thought that all hope was lost...

Even though when I first started this process, I thought that I would just get him home, and things would just be settled, done, closed... something happened... something inside of me changed... through other's blogs...

It was through other's blogs that I saw the beauty that was Guatemala. Their photographs, their stories... I knew that I was changed. Now with the state of adoptions in Guatemala, I KNOW that I must do something. These children will be orphaned - thousands of them. No one to hold them when they cry, to love them... I must do something.

It was through blogs written by strong woman who felt a calling to help, who led me to believe I, too, could help more children. Julia McKenzie was one such woman. (click here for her personal blog) A woman who is inspirational to many of us. Julia, the mother of 6 children has a heart as deep as her southern roots. A woman who, with her husband, is in Guatemala right now raising awareness to the cause. Julia, who will be quick to point out her flaws to me, is one of the most uplifting people I have encountered in this "adoption community." She never wants credit or to be put on a pedestal, but I have to say that she is pretty inspiring to many. Thank you, Julia, for trying to live your life honestly and in the Christian way. Those of us trying to get there really appreciate it.

Three inspirational women (Kerry, Julia and Meghan) have banded together to DO SOMETHING. They started a fantastic organization called The Global Orphan Team (GOT). The Global Orphan Team is a non-profit organization formed by these three adoptive families. Their main goals are to reach the lost through the love of Jesus, build relationships, and raise the standard of care. Though their long term goal is to reach the lost around the globe, their first focus and starting point is the country of Guatemala. Visit their blog (BY CLICKING HERE) that will be a place for them to journal their mission trips and work to raise awareness about the desperate plight of the orphans, widows and families of Guatemala.

I need to know, has my story changed you? Those of you who have looked into Mario's eyes... can you forget where he came from? What if that was your child waiting for you? What if that was your sister who waited her whole life for a child, and is unable to get them home? What about the others? the ones left behind? in poverty. with little care. with little to eat.

look at their eyes.... is there a difference? this little boy spoke to my heart... he looks so much like my little Mo.....

and this little girl... can you get any sweeter?

Please join me in following the start of great opportunity. An opportunity for you to change the world one child at a time. Follow along with Julia and Bryan this week... see what journey they are taking.

They were led... will you follow?


In the upcoming months, there will be posts on their blog about how we can get involved. Please check back in with them. First, start by PRAYING for them. Pray for the McKenzies, that they will reach many. Pray for Kerry and Meghan and their families who have (I am sure) put countless hours into this already. Put GOT on your prayer lists at church. Think positive thoughts about them. Leave them comments on the GOT blog... GOT love - SHARE IT.


Remember how this adoption community has helped me and countless others. Please help them to reach their goals of helping the children.

*all photographs (other than Mario) are taken from the GOT blog and were taken by Julia McKensie*