Adoption Conference

The 2011 Adoption and Foster Care Conference at LakePointe Church in Rockwall is September 10th from 8-3pm. I am so excited that we are actually FREE that weekend and able to go. This was the conference that started it all for Brian and I. You see, my heart was ready, but Brian's wasn't. After this conference God did a number on him and we were ready to go. Two months later we had paperwork filled out, orientation with the agency completed, and were waiting on the 6 hour orientation that would put us on our way to adopting a baby! It's amazing how God works in the heart of his people!

This year as we are planning ahead for the next adoption, I am looking forward to going to a few different sessions:
1) Trans-racial adoptions
2) Foster-to-adopt, and
3) How to start an adoption ministry in your church.

I would like to find out more about adopting across racial lines because we plan on opening up our profile to all races for the next adoption. I have made several friends (as you have seen in pictures) that have adopted African American boys and girls, and have had many opportunities to chat and read about overcoming obstacles that might bring. You see, I have always (and I do mean ALWAYS) had a special place in my heart for African American children. For whatever reason, I am drawn to them (just ask my folks if you want examples!). I focus specifically on AA because here in the south there are still many issues that have to be overcome when adopting . Other races also have obstacles, but I don't feel it is as taboo as adopting AA.

With foster-to-adopt, I am just curious to know more about how the whole process works for future-future reference.

And for the third session Brian and I have been thinking about this for awhile at our own church. Our church is large enough that we think there should be some kind of ministry for adoption. It doesn't necessarily have to be a large one like LakePointe's, but at least there should be something. We have talked to other friends of ours about joining us in the start of the ministry so hopefully this will help all of us out. We just weren't sure which direction to go first.

I am very excited about this conference!