For Parents Considering Adoption for their Child...

Lately, we've been thinking a lot about what you must be feeling.  It's easy for us, as hopeful adoptive parents, to get so caught up in our own emotions.  But, we must remember that there is a mother and father (or mother and father-to-be) who are struggling with a major decision.  If you choose to place your child for adoption, you are choosing to place an infinite amount of trust in us to care for and raise your child.  We know that you must be so strong in character and faith in order to make this huge decision.  The courage that it must take to make an adoption plan is unimaginable.  We will never be able to completely put ourselves in your shoes.  But, there are promises that we can make.  Here are some of the vows that we take as adoptive-parents-to-be...
1.  We promise to love your child unconditionally. 
2.  We promise to send you pictures/letters as often and as long as you'd like to receive them (and we'd love a picture of you for your child's room!)
3.  We promise to never speak ill of you in any way and to always be open with your child when he/she begins asking questions about his/her adoption.  
4.  We promise to raise your child in a home that is safe, clean, and warm.  He/She will always have his/her needs met.
5.  We promise to provide your child with the best possible education, including college if he/she chooses.
6.  We promise to make sure your child learns about God and Jesus and the love God has for each of us.
7.  We promise to talk openly and honestly with your child about his/her adoption.
8.  We promise to give your child plenty of opportunities to make lasting friendships through social gatherings or sports and activities of their choosing.
9.  We promise to encourage your child to develop his/her talents and interests.
10. We promise that your child will be absolutely loved and cherished by all members of our families and by all of our friends.  They have been with us every step of the way through the pain of our infertility and the beginning of our adoption journey.  They will be there when we celebrate, too!

Even though we will likely make mistakes, as every one of us does, we will always honor you and each of these promises that we've made to you and your child.
Thank you for reading...
Ryan and Emily