The process of adoption has given Craig and I an opportunity to learn and grow beyond what we have ever expected. We've learned our strengthens and our weaknesses. We've also learned about what my mother so commmonly talks to me about - boundaries. I have accepted throughout this process that there are things I know I can't do. And, it doesn't come easy to admit that.
But, there is something I know in my heart I can do.
Here's the story... I received on email from our Lifelink social worker on 11/29 about a little boy in China who was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate. I opened the email and saw the most precious little guy looking back at me. Immediately my heart said, "he's my son." I took a breath and read the full document about him. They estimate he was born on August 21, 2004 and he was found that same day in front of the Rongxian Social Welfare Institute in Guangxi province. His lip was repaired in China, but he palate is still open.
I shared his information with Craig, who also immediately wanted to adopt him. So, this began our process of researching everything we could about him, cleft lip and palate and Rongxian SW. I spoke to families who have adopted children from China with cleft lip and palate. I talked to our pediatrician and his partner. I spoke with plastic surgeons and a child psychologist.
I was also fortunate enough to speak with some who runs a foundation in China called Grace and Hope. Through them I found a Yahoo Group of families who have adopted from Rongxian SW. This group of families is wonderful. Only 47 children have been adopted from his orphanage since 2002.
After much consideration and discussion, we returned the Letter of Intent to adopt Rong Fu Nong.
