For now, I've been convicted of simply bringing my focus to things that truly matter. After all, November is all about being thankful....for freedom, health, friends, and family to name a few...and our family would not be possible without ADOPTION. Words cannot describe my gratitude for what adoption has done for my life and our family. I know I've said it before, but the miraculous way in which Judah became a part of our family is truly amazing. Because we believe our God is sovereign, we believe that our story was ordained and orchestrated by the One who has adopted us as His children. Judah is a daily reminder of God's grace and love toward us.
If you are considering adoption, are part of an adoptive family, or know someone who has been touched by adoption in any way, please celebrate with us this November, National Adoption Month! There are several ways we can all celebrate and raise awareness for adoption this month. Here are a few I hope you will consider~ as suggested by our agency, Gladney Center for Adoption.
~Wear a white ribbon in honor of National Adoption Month.
~Write an encouraging letter to a birthmother (email me or leave a comment for more details),
~Ask your local library to display books about adoption. Get them started by donating a book :-)
~Give an adoption talk at a local school or read an adoption story book to a classroom of children.
~Ask your worship leader to say a prayer for birthmothers, adoptive parents, children living in orphanages & children living in foster care.
~Make an effort to reach someone considering adoption, whether a couple considering adoption or a birthmother.
~Organize a holiday toy drive for children who are waiting for permanent families.
~Write a thank-you letter to someone who helped you think differently about adoption or who helped make your adoption happen.
~Light a candle in honor of all the birthparents who make the ultimate sacrifice by choosing to place their child for adoption.
Our family kicked off the month with fun adoption events last weekend. We are blessed to live in an area with huge support for adoptive families, and it is encouraging that Judah has opportunities to fellowship with other children who share parts of his culture and story. Saturday evening, we had the opportunity to get together with local families who all have adopted children from Ethiopia. We shared a delicious meal at an Ethiopian restaurant. So many Ethiopian beauties...who seem to share similar interests! Almost simultaneously, some of the children (including mine!) turned one of the tables into a "drum" and made some pretty interesting music!
Judah also had fun "wrestling" with the big boys...
And "flirting" with the older girls...
The following day, we attended a Gladney Family Association event in our area. It included any family in the area who has adopted through Gladney...international and domestic adoptions. It was so cool to see so many countries represented in one room :-) At the "art play date," the kids (and adults) had a blast while eating delicious snacks....
exploring their creative side....
playing "follow the leader"....
And most importantly, making new friends....
On this November Thursday, the Nix family is thankful for adoption and all that it means to our family and others across the world!
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