Foster to Adopt versus International Adoption?

First, I'd like to apologize for this long post but it's something that I, wholeheartedly, believe in. There are some people that question why we didn't look into adopting within the U.S. as there are many children up for adoption through the foster care system.  As a former foster parent back in 1992, what scared me off is the reunification part (they really seem to emphasize that in the classes).  It is risky to fall in love with a child only to have to return them to their bio parents and those circumstances are not always the best.  Not only that, but the deaf foster children are already implemented into either deaf schools in their area or mainstreamed into public schools with good programs for the deaf/hard of hearing which, with no doubt, are better than any country in my opinion. 

We chose international adoption because when it comes down to it, there are children everywhere in the world that need families and many of the countries outside of the U.S. have systems that are so worse off than here and when the children grow up and age out there is not much hope for them in the way of a decent life. What we can offer them here in the U.S. can sometimes be a lifesaver--literally, and that's why people go into debt or pay large expenses to adopt these kids.  Every kid everywhere is worth it. In the case of China and Korea, the children who age out of the system (and there are sadly many) go into a life with the status of "orphan" and that is a major strike against them socially since they are considered "bad luck" and as a result have a hard time furthering their education and finding jobs. No one wants them around. Add to that their special needs status, like being deaf, and it is a practically a death sentence. In Bulgaria, the country we are adopting from, in the small towns, there are no deaf programs for the children.  Imagine trying to communicate your needs or wants to someone not being understood. 

So this is why we chose to adopt outside of the U.S., there are millions of orphans all over the world and every single one of them needs love, family and a chance at a better life. There are so many children, with special needs, who never get a second glance, much like the kids here and it is sad for all of them as part of the human race, not just here. I wish I could adopt them all.  I would highly encourage you if you are in a place to adopt, to please pray and decide if it would be a blessing to have an addition to your family. 

Jesus, our Savior, adopted us as His own, by washing away our sins with His blood.  We need to obey the call of saving the helpless, since we know they are out there.  Jesus, please find homes for these innocent ones so that they know Your love and a family's love.  Amen!