Adoption Option

Recently I came across a brilliant site about adoption in New Zealand. Adoption Option is aimed at pregnant mothers who may be considering giving up their baby for adoption. I encourage you to check it out- especially if you or someone you know is pregnant and looking at her options. The birth mums' stories are wonderful- these girls are so courageous. Adoption today is so very different from the closed adoptions of a few decades ago, where the birth mum had to give her baby up knowing she would never see him or her again. In today's open adoptions there is the opportunity for the birth mother to have an ongoing relationship with her child and with the adoptive parents. As one mother on the site, Nicola, said:

"Ellie [my baby] is a joy. I am very lucky. I found two people who have kept their promises to me, have included me in their life, and have allowed me the joy of watching Ellie grow up. The most important thing is that they are great parents - the best, and I love them for that. I do not regret my decision, even now. I think that it has helped me in many ways. And I wouldn't trade having them in my life for anything. Ellie is growing up knowing her birth family, too, which is very special for all of us."

Read the rest here.

There are so many couples out there who want children desperately but are unable to have them. Open adoption is a wonderful way for these couples to have the child they want so much, while at the same time giving the birth mother an ongoing relationship with her child.

Check out the Adoption Option site for more.

for the children :)
freedomfightergirl

Child Soldier No More

Recently I was fortunate enough to see the Restore Tour from Watoto, Uganda. They have been touring NZ with a drama and dance performance called Child Soldier No More. I didn't really know what to expect but when I saw it I was absolutely blown away! The actors and dancers are all children and young people, most of whom have absolutely unbelievable stories from their experiences in the 20-year-long civil war in Uganda. Many of them were forced to be child soldiers and have endured every suffering and indignity imaginable (and unimaginable). However, as stunned and horrified as I was by what they had suffered, the most powerful thing for me was how they have risen above their circumstances. They are people of such joy and dignity. After telling their stories, they gave their forgiveness to the soldiers who abused them, to their families who rejected them, and to themselves. I was so incredibly humbled by their courage and strength. Whenever I look at the world and at myself and feel discouraged or despairing, I hope I will remember them, because they are living reminders to me that nothing is beyond God's reach to restore and heal.

Watoto.com has a good trailer and some awesome photos of the tour, a summary of the Watoto story and more about their various projects in Uganda.




(images from watoto.com)

Redemption, love and life :)
freedomfightergirl