adoption
Predators in the Tall Grass
Years ago my family and I visited the magnificent wild animal preserve known as the Serengeti in Tanzania. It had rained all day and we eventually came to a stretch of road that was almost impassable. We were faced with a choice between two muddy paths but had no idea which to take. If we went the wrong way and became stuck, we would have spent the night there without food, water, or bathroom facilities. At that point, our 17-year-old son, Ryan, volunteered to help.
"I'll run ahead and look at the two roads," he said. "Then I'll wave to let you know which way to go."
The missionary who was with us said, "Uhm, Ryan, I don't think that is a very good idea. You just don't know what might be out there in the tall grass."
Eventually we chose what looked like the best path and were able to get through. But when we reached the place where the two trails came together, a huge male lion was crouched in the grass off to one side. He rolled his big yellow eyes and dared us to take him on. Ryan looked at that lion and agreed that it might be best to stay in the car!
In a manner of speaking, our experience on the Serengeti illustrates the passage from late adolescence to young adulthood. The journey goes smoothly and safely for some individuals. But a surprisingly large number of teens encounter unexpected "mudholes" that trap and hold them at an immature stage of development. Still others are plagued by dangerous predators. Among these are an addiction to alcohol or drugs, marriage to the wrong person, failure to achieve a coveted dream, suicide, homicide or other criminal offenses.
It is, alas, very easy to make a very big mistake when young. Given the predators lurking in the tall grass, it does behoove us parents to stay very close to our sons and daughters on the road to adulthood.
Background Information
Agency Adoptions
When it is time to evaluate adoption agencies, consider these pros and cons.
Where Have All the Babies Gone?
The top reasons fewer babies are available to the growing number of couples who want to adopt.
Adopting on Your Own
This advice can help single parents who want to adopt children.
Causes and Characteristics of Attachment Disorder
For adoptive parents, attachment issues can be a huge concern.
Independent Adoption
These are the risks and rewards of adopting without the help of an agency.
Questions and Answers
Are adopted children more likely to be rebellious than children raised by biological parents?
Answer
How would you go about telling a child he or she is adopted, and when should that disclosure occur?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Reflections on Bonding With an Adopted Child
Bonding with an adopted child can take time — and great patience.
A Second Chance at Life
Two adopted children arrived from the most unlikely of sources.
Adoption as Grace
How does enlarging your family reflect God's love?
An Act of Grace
In the midst of ethical ambiguity, one infertility treatment is a welcome development.
Climbing the Hills
A father tells his story of adopting his daughter from Russia.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?
Related Topics
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-at-Home Moms
Relationships: Blended Families, Divorce, Parents and Adult Children, Caring for Elderly Parents
