Monday, February 9, 2009

No Hands But Ours


The No Hands But Ours web site was started by Stefanie of Ni Hao Y'all. Stefanie is momma to 8. Yes, I said 8 children, 4 bio and 4 adopted from China. Besides being super woman she's a caring, empathetic person who is passionate about waiting children in China and had the idea for this web site to educate, encourage and be a resource for anyone interested in adopting a child with medical special needs. I recently wrote our family story for the web site and how we came to adopt Will and go the special needs route. On a personal note, adopting a child with a medical special need was something I never thought that much about in the past. There was one obstacle for both Dan and I and it was FEAR. Fear of the unknown I suppose, could I do it? What if I got so attached to a child and then something terrible happened? Having a child biologically or by adoption is always a leap of faith and we took that leap of faith last February when we changed our request with CCAA from a healthy female as young as possible to a boy or girl with a cleft lip and palate. William appeared on our agency's list and we asked to adopt him. We cannot imagine our life without this little boy in it now. When I look at my son I don't see the faint scar on his upper lip, I look at his sweet face and see the whole person, his personality and who he is...inside. I don't like the label or term 'Special Need.' It doesn't define who he is at all, Will's cleft lip and palate is just a very small part of him. I encourage you to go the the site and see what Stefanie and many other parents have done. Please read some of the family stories. If I have inspired one family to do this, I will have done my job as a person to help a child who needs a home. Because that's what adoption is all about...children who need a family.
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."
~Edward Everett Hale

8 kind words:

Karen said...

Well said, Gail. You are a great encourager and your family is an excellent example of the joy that awaits those who may be considering international/and/or special needs.

Kim said...

Love Stephanie's blog..
Truly amazing family..
I wish we had the option of SN.. but don't.. and when we started our journey I didn't know enough about it..
But never know.. may have the opportunity later...
Isabella will need a brother or sister due to her older ones will be gone..
Hugs..
Thanks for sharing..

Missy said...

What a lovely tribute to your sweet William and to all the other waiting angels. Why, oh why, will China not let singles adopt??? I would be on the first plane to adopt a boy or girl with cleft lip/palate. I am looking into some other countries and at the same sn. I hope that people who are waiting, read your story!

OH MY #6 said...

Gail,

what a beautiful post. Your love for these kids just screams out of your BLOG every day. But, this post, just confirms what an awesome, selfless mommy you are.

Love you lots my friend.

Lea

fleur de lis cottage said...

What an inspiring post. So beautiful. Our Ava is considered special needs (heart condition), even though I don't consider it a special need. Children are such a blessing. Thanks for your encouraging words.

a Tonggu Momma said...

Love Stefanie. Love the NHBO site. Love you for sharing them both.

Story of our Life said...

It isn't our time right now to add to our family.

However, when the Lord seems fit...I know that I can/will say that you truly did inspire us/me!!

(((HUGS)))

gala

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

I will have to go check out what you have added to that very valuable sight.

I always marvel at how similar our path to our children has been. I would not have done it any other way! What a thrill ride this life is!

 
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