Netherlands

How do I even begin to describe the last few days? Adoption days at Beautiful Gate have always been my favorite days. Knowing the desperate situation that a child comes to BG in and seeing them grow, laugh, learn to walk, etc, and then watching them join their new family does something to the heart that us really indescribable. When we get to be in the meetings with parents when they meet their child for the first time, seeing their smiles and the tears streaming down their cheeks, it also creates a special bond with these parents. As much as I know I will miss the child who is leaving, I LOVE that they are leaving, that their biggest wish in life has come true.
This week, I learned something new about myself. I absolutely love seeing our former BG kids living in their new country, playing together, speaking their new language, running to their moms and dads when they get hurt, and seeing their absolute joy. On Wednesday I got to be a part of a get together of former BG children here in the Netherlands and it was indescribable. These families have agreed to love these kids for the rest of their lives and they are doing it well. The kids were confident, loving, carefree and so much more because they have the love of their family. That in no way suggests that these parents have an easy job. There are so many adjustments that have to happen and some children handle those in ways that can be very draining, but the parents are loving them through it. I admire adoptive parents so much and while some people think that our family has given up a lot and sacrificed a lot to live in Lesotho, it is nothing compared to these families opening their hearts and homes to welcome a new member of their family for life. For better and worse, through all the transitions in bonding and all the other emotions involved in being a family. Thank you so much Dutch families for welcoming us and sharing your stories with us.