Sharing Stories

Today, I had the privilege of attending a baby shower for a friend from church.  There were lots of wonderful ladies, some friendly faces, some I knew who they were but hadn't spoken to much, and even a few new faces.  It was a lovely time and I got to spend some time getting to know some ladies better.  One lady in particular was very interested to learn that we were adopted.  She had been adopted herself after years in the foster system and had trouble conceiving for several years. While I didn't learn every detail of those experiences, I found it heartwarming to hear someone else's story, hear they had a similar struggle, but mostly it was good to hear someone else has gone through the same emotions at I in certain times in their life.

Growing up, I knew a few kids that were adopted, but I never knew the circumstances as to the story behind their adoption.  I assume they were closed adoptions that happened around their birth. But it was something that wasn't really discussed.  Mostly because it was nobody's business to bring it up and as far as I knew, the parents never brought it up in conversation either.  While there is nothing wrong with that, I look back and wish I had heard more stories about adoption growing up. Mainly because I felt I had to keep our struggles a secret for so long and how it is almost ingrained in me for a long time not to talk about our struggles.  I think opportunities have been lost in some circles where people aren't comfortable to share their struggles and encourage others through it. It's so nice to know others have stood where you stand now, and they made it through!

That's probably why I blog.  It started as a way to keep people informed about our process because not alot of people in our lives know anything about adoption.  Then it slowly grew to be an outlet, and a way to force allow myself to be more open; a stretching tool.  But now, I just want our story to encourage someone else. A friend who is considering adoption.  Or just a random person who stumbles across this far from charismatic blog to find encouragement that they aren't alone.  It's hard to find a balance between being honest and not having a pity party some days.  But I want to express the hard days just as much as the good ones, but with a positive twist without emotions consuming my words.

So I would just encourage those who have an adoption story to share it, especially with me.  You never know who is just needing to hear someone else's story and be encouraged by it. It will connect you with people in a way that is hard to describe. It's an experience you share that most people can't understand. I know I just soak up each story and struggle I hear.  Each is different with its own ups and downs, struggles and joys.  But it opens my eyes to things to prepare for as well and the blessings in my life. And it takes away the feeling of loneliness and replaces it with a feeling of community. Sharing yourself with others is important.