Teamwork

One of the greatest challenges in adoption is the need for a team of people to help support both the parents and children.  At a time when we most need support during adoption we are often the most stressed out and busy and in the most strange and alien world for others to comprehend.  We are not able to manufacture our own support team in ways that are usual for us.  Our support team frequently shifts and in those changes there are many wonderful surprises and hidden joys of relationships.

We have been surprised at the amazing team that has been given to us over the years.  Those who have come to help have not always been the people we have sought after or the ones we thought would be there.  What a most wonderful gift are those who have come to help.  Help has come in both big and little ways, but all with thoughtful and kind care that has been our greatest joy.  Some relationships have been fleeting and others enduring.  All are part of the team.  We have actually adopted more than our four children in this process.  Others have come alongside and been equally as adopted in our family and we in theirs.

As we pulled together our family team to wash and dry dishes together this Christmas, a significant part of our support team was secretly investigating dishwashers for us.  This part of the team is skilled at finding the best and most solid deals.  With consumer report in hand, they were determined that the new dishwasher would be able to stand up to our family needs.  After Christmas they arranged it all.  Another unrelated part of the team offered to install it!   What a most thoughtful gift of love!  These kind people are deeply related to us and are a significant and lasting part of our adopted family.  They give of themselves in countless ways to care for us and others.

Thank you to all our amazing team of all family and friends on this journey of adventure!  We love you and need you so much.  The treasures of your love are like surprise packages of supplies discovered along the route to give joy and sustenance.