Why did we adopt?????

It's a frequent question, Why did we adopt? My parents already had ten children, Why did they continue to adopt seven more? I started this blog awhile ago, mostly because I was bored, but once I was no longer bored, I neglected to blog. So why have I decided out of the blue to write again? 

Cynthia Elizabeth, adopted from the Philippines,  1987

I was inspired because of a question, "Why would you want seventeen children?" It's because of this question,  rather then continue to respond to person after person,  I will clarify in this post why my family decided to adopt. There are of course our family beliefs. We are Christians who believe we are called to look after orphans.  If your not a believer, there are reasons besides our beliefs that have called us to expand our family.

Alyiah Faith, Adopted locally, 2011

     It is estimated that there are between 143 million to 210 million orphans worldwide (recent UNICEF report). The current population of the U.S is just a little over 300 million, to give you an idea of the immensity of these numbers. Every day, 5,760 children become orphans. Ever 2.2 seconds another orphan ages out of the system, (becomes an adult) and is kicked out with no family and no place to call home.  10% to 15% of children orphaned commit suicide before they reach 18. 60% of girls become prostitutes and 70% of boys become hardened criminals. an estimated 1.2 million orphans are trafficked every year. (studies by CCAI) 

Haley Mercia, adopted locally, 2011

Aidan Joseph, adopted locally, 2012

This is why, I believe, my parents adopted and why I, albeit sometimes reluctantly, choose to support them. I'm not trying to guilt anyone into adopting. Not everyone is called to adopt.  This is to explain why, even though we had a full house already, we made room for more. This is to convince you to perhaps be supportive of those who choose to spend countless hours and thousands of dollars to bring home children that are not theirs yet and why we open our hearts to children who may not stay. To adopt is to rescue. Famous people such as Steve Jobs, Faith Hill,  and Gerald Ford, were all adopted as children. Where would they be if their families hadn't chosen adoption.    

Carissa Rose, adopted locally, 2012

Jessica Noel, adopted locally, 2012

    "Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it. "Well why don't you ask him?" "Because I'm afraid He would ask me the same question." -Anonymous. 

Shu-Ting "Tina" (Center) Adopted from China, 2013

Our latest adoption, Skyler Genevie, "Skye" Adopted from the Philippines, 2014 

     Some adoptive parents have suffered scrutiny from strangers. Looks of confusion when the skin of their child is darker than their own, a blond among a family of redheads, or a face that doesn't resemble mom or dad's. No matter how a child came to their family, their union should be handled with compassion and love. To quote countless sources, " Adoption is love, selfless love. "