1. Answering
the question “Why adopt from a foreign country?”
Suggestion: RESPOND
WITH A QUESTION:
We think the best form of answering is to answer with a question.
Answering with a question forces people
to open up with their own
assumptions. For instance, if asked why International instead of
domestic, you may say “What's
the difference?” and they reply, "well aren't those kids sick with Aids." Another may say, "You shouldn't adopt internationally,
when you have children at home already." If you respond with a question you then became aware of the assumption upon which
the comment was based. Had you just explained the benefits of international adoption or described your feelings, you would
never had the opportunity to correct the underlying assumption, which may have been flawed. You may not only change
some minds, but change some hearts in the process.
Suggestion: KNOW
THE FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY YOU ARE ADOPTING FROM:
Example:" There are over 4 million orphans in Ethiopia. That's almost 7 percent of
the population. In Ethiopia most women aren't literate. The life expectancy for a male at birth is 48 and for
a woman is 50. Children who don't get adopted may not have a future, let alone 'much' of one. "
Suggestion: DON'T BE AFRAID TO TALK ABOUT GOD'S LEADING
IN THIS DECISION:
When it comes down to it, if God led you then there is no better explanation.
Example: "God called us to Ethiopia, just as he did Russia. It was wild, scary, and
unexpected, but He did. The children in the U.S. are in need of loving homes too, but God let us know that
the child of our heart is in Ethiopia".
