Identity

contributed by intern, Abbigail Facey

Understanding one’s identity is a process that takes time to fully appreciate. For many it takes years to understand not only who they are but how their lives correlate to the functioning of the greater society. “How do I fit in the world?” is a question generations before us have pondered and one that will likely be contemplated for years to come. "What makes me unique, different from everyone else, and valuable to the world?" - question echoed throughout the ages.

Personally, I have found that the process of understanding my identity is directly correlated to the connection I have with my family. They have impressed upon me the importance of staying associated with others, honoring the aged, valuing hard work and dedication, and reaching out to those in need. While each family may have varied values and belief systems, I believe each of those value systems significantly impacts the development of one’s identity. To understand one’s identity is to develop a purpose driven life.

I believe that the National Adoption Center helps youth to do just that; develop a connection to the world and understand their identity in society. How? By championing adoption for all children in need, even the older youths, thus working to ensure that every child can have permanent connections to family. I would not be where I am today had it not been for the direction, guidance, care, and influence of my parents. I believe every child deserves the influence of parents who will offer the love and support a child needs especially in their formative years.

I am absolutely thrilled to be interning for an organization that cares so deeply about the development of youth. The Center works, not only for the betterment of young people, but society through its programs that work to prevent incarceration, homelessness, and high school dropout. (All of which occur at higher rates for those children who age out of the system.) It is my hope that through this internship I will learn the success stories of adopted children and their parents. I hope this in turn will help me to know more about the process of adoption, and may lead me to consider adoption for my family in the future.

Wednesday’s Child Success Story

Alaina, Isaiah and Jonathan

An adoption success! As the Wednesday’s Child Coordinator, it is great to see positive results. When I was told a sibling group of three needed to be featured on Wednesday’s Child in 2006, I naturally thought- "Oh boy, this is going to be a tough one." Three! What a number. To place one child is hard enough. With the help of Wednesday’s Child and many other forms of recruitment, the Thomas family decided they would inquire about the siblings. After all, Mrs. Thomas, after raising four children knew she still had more mothering left inside. She and her husband decided to start the adoption process.

In 2006 the sibling group was in desperate need of a home. They were featured on Wednesday’s Child and several families inquired. The Thomas’ homestudy was reviewed and the family became a match from there. The Thomas family grew from four children to seven children in just a few months.

The Thomas family feels they are very blessed with the new additions to their home. Alaina, Isaiah and Jonathan are very happy to be in a loving home where they know they are accepted. They now enjoy activities such as biking, hiking and playing video games in the family room.

If you have ever thought about adoption but needed a good story to motivate you to make the call, here is one. We need more Thomas families. The children need more Thomas families. People that still have parenting left inside of them or those who wish to become parents for the first time. We need people to open their hearts, doors and commitment level and adopt a waiting child.

SMART
February 08, 2010

Book Review: Water Steps

Water Steps
by A. LaFaye
for ages 8-12

Eleven-year-old Kyna is terrified of water and with good reason. When she was only three, she and her family were caught in a torrential downpour that capsized their boat. The only survivor of the storm, Kyna was rescued by Mem and Pep, an Irish couple, who later adopted her and raised her as their own. Overwhelmed by fear of water and everything associated with it, Kyna couldn’t even go for a swim. Even water touching her skin provoked an anxiety attack.

Mem and Pep loved everything about the water and tried very hard to help her take small steps—water steps--over the years to overcome her fear. This summer Mem and Pep decide she is ready to take the final step and rent a cabin on Lake Champlain for the summer. Kyna desperately protests but she has no choice but to go with them. She has no memory of her birth family, but during the summer she realizes that her fear is keeping her from these memories and from her adoptive family’s love of water. She also learns that among the tales told her by her Irish parents are clues to her original parents’ secret.

Filled with delightful Irish tales about silkies (seals by day, men and women at night), leprechauns and fairies, Water Steps has much to offer youngsters struggling to overcome their own fears and to anyone fascinated by myths and fantasies.