Well, let's see there is quite a bit to this answer. To begin with, it was short and simple...we had seen much about the need for adopting daughters from China. Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were our main influence. I think that they brought the idea of international adoption to the attention of much of the Christian community. I'll have to share a snippet about their story from a book I've read in another post. So, since we were aware of the need in China - from the very beginning our discussions were always about adopting from China. God planted that seed early on in our relationship.
It seems like from the beginning that we've always wanted to pursue 2 daughters from China. As we explore the world of adoption, we have discovered many other areas in which the Father has opened our minds and hearts.
I think if we are honest, which we want to be - as we looked at the adoption options before us international adoption appeared to be the "safest." Meaning the "safest" for us...there's not much risk in being in competition with birth parents. Oddly enough, I now find myself hoping that we will be able to discover some link to Abigail's birth heritage just in case she ever wants to search. We pray constantly that her birth parents will come to know the truth of the One True God and the gracious love found in Him so that if it never happens on this earth, one day there will be a great reunion in heaven.
One lesson we're learning on this journey is that birth and adoption are equal in the great Father's plan for a life. He creates the inmost being of each life in a womb and He sets the lonely in families. Children are entrusted to earthly parents by an amazing heavenly Father. An enormous responsibility and stewardship is given to each and every parent.
We see international and domestic adoption as equally great paths to build the family God has already planned out. So, now we would love to adopt domestically. However, there are some strict qualifications on adopting from China at this point in time. Now that we KNOW Abigail is in China, it simply seems wise to pursue international adoption first. Which is part of the answer to another question closely tied to this one, so I guess I'll end with this. In regard to any adoption or even birth of a child being "safe" I couldn't help but think of this from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - the children are asking the Beavers about Aslan:
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the king I tell you."
Our Father is not safe, but He is most assuredly good. And the King of all Kings gives perfect gifts.
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