I am the adoptive mum of two beautiful treasures from Taiwan. Ben is 10 ½ years, and Hannah is 7. It is such a privilege being entrusted to raise and love these two awesome children. It has been an amazing journey, and I wouldn’t change any of it!
My life didn’t really go to plan, I guess you could say. First time around, I was married at 23, but sadly widowed by 31. We had not yet started a family. I had recently completed a degree in social work, and began my first job when I met my second and current husband.
A couple of years later, I took some tests that revealed I had severe endometriosis. We found out that we would have to use IVF to conceive a child. Adoption was a first option for us. Even in my 20’s, adoption was something I thought I would like to do.
We live in Australia, and adoption here is a very formalized and expensive process, which is centralized by the state government. At the time, adopting from Taiwan was a three year process, but families adopting from Ethiopia often waited up to five years! With that kind of time, the word ‘waiting’ takes on a whole new meaning!
But finally our day came. It was an amazing experience to finally hold those babies in our arms. We were able to be a family because a young woman and mother relinquished her rights to raise her own child, due to difficult circumstances. We honour her, and continue to pray for her in this life changing decision.
We were blessed to be able to meet Ben’s grandparents, who raised him for the first seven months of his life, and a few years later we got to meet Hannah’s mother and grandmother as well. Those were special moments.
Our children were adopted from a Christian not-for-profit social service organization called the Christian Salvation Service (CSS), who are based in the United States of America, and only place children with practicing Christian families. CSS continues to care for and support birth mothers even after the adoption of their child, offering them assistance with long-term counselling, housing, support and education. CSS also adopts special needs children.
The years seemed to have flown since we adopted. I am thankful to be able to say that both our children are very settled into our family. They are very much loved and cherished, and life is busy and full of surprises! CSS policy states that adoptive children must be 12 years of age before they are able to visit their birth families. We are keen to support our children in this, should they make the decision to do so.
The Legacy of an Adopted Child – Author Unknown.
Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mum.
Two different lives shaped to make your one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first gave you life, and the second taught you how to live it.
The first gave you a need for love, and the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent, the other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me through your tears, the age old question through the years,
Heredity or environment – Which are you the product of?
Neither my darling, neither; Just two different kinds of love.
~~~~~
Robyne lives in Australia with her husband and two adopted children. She works part time as a social worker because she is a homemaker by heart! Her family continues to stay involved with Christian Salvation Services.
Christian Salvation Services Taiwan is a registered non profit social service organization in Taiwan, and a registered not-for-profit organization in the United States. CSS was established in 1983 and the goal is to continue to save and enrich lives. In doing so, they strive to show the love of God to all they meet by both work quality and personal faith.. You can find more information about CSS on their website.
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