Newton on Adoption

Adoption is kind of like that, except without the physical powers of the universe checking in.  A mother has to willingly give away her child and grieve, no matter what their circumstances, to some extent.  Adversely, parents are waiting with arms and hearts wide open, ready to receive and rejoice. 

Our match is with Jennifer, who really is an example of opposite reactions in a much different way.  From her will come a precious, innocent life free of anything to be ashamed of and full of promise and joy.  But, her life has been one that is much different.  She is 31 years old, yet has been in and out of prison her entire adult life.  We don’t know her, and can’t get a lot of personal information, but we do know that most of the reasons revolve around drug trafficking and other like charges.  We also know that while she is not currently incarcerated, she meets almost daily with a parole officer and at least weekly with a counselor.  The only choices she has made to be proud of is not terminating a pregnancy, and choosing adoption instead.  In fact, this is the fourth time she will have done such.  

If knowing those details make you more nervous about our situation, don’t be.  It sounds a little strange, but I’m almost more comfortable after being burned the first time knowing a few of them.  Pay attention, while I compare:

First time – We had a claim of no drug use, but there’s nothing to know for sure.
This time – Jennifer’s parole agreement comes with random drug screenings that, should she fail, returns her to incarceration.

First time – No doctor’s visits, no medical insurance, only a hope that things were going well.
This time – Jennifer goes to the doctor regularly (July 28th is the next appointment) and is on state insurance coverage.

First time – Counselor visits were sporadic and always involved emotional breakdowns.  We surmise that this lack of attention eventually led to her being talked out of adoption altogether.
This time – Jennifer must check in with her parole officer almost daily, with counseling sessions involved in many of them.

First time – First pregnancy to a 19-year old.  Turns out, she just couldn’t do it.
This time – Fifth pregnancy to a 31-year old that knows she can’t care for a child.  Three of the previous four were given up for adoption (the other lives with family, I believe.) Her being able to mentally go through with it should not be an issue. 

So, even though it wasn’t the route I wanted to take to this match, and possibly (hopefully) our newest addition, we may not have been so. . . . . accepting of a mother in this set of circumstances before being burned by someone we thought was “safe.”  And, our standard line has been that we are not adopting Jennifer, obviously, but the innocent little baby she will bring into the world.

So, we continue to pray for her emotional and mental stability.  But, just like our kids reminded us last night with their musical at church, God’s redemption is for everyone.  So, we also pray for Jennifer and her place in eternity.  Jaclyn and I may very well be the only Jesus she ever sees.  And His redemption isn’t just for those who’ve never known Him but for those who already do, yet have chosen to wander away.  No sin is too great, no time spent away is too long – He awaits with open arms.

‘Till next time, we continue to pray for God’s will, not only in this adoption, but in our lives.  Thank you to those doing the same.

“And My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  — 2 Chronicles 7:14