Adoption

By Mel Friesen

Adoptive parents share the difficulties, motivations, and blessings of adoption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312573789

Book preview

Adoption

ADOPTION

Choosing to Love as God Loves

by Mel Friesen

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2014 Mel Friesen

All rights reserved worldwide. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®),

copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

First Printing: 2014

ISBN 978-1-312-57378-9

FOREWARD

At a gathering of several couples, Mel Friesen shared the fascinating account of his adoption and its relationship to his life journey. After having pastored for many years and counseled couples and individuals regarding adoption, I knew what Mel shared that evening would benefit many, both those who had been adopted as well as those serving as adoptive parents. I mentioned this to Mel, and he has now, after much research, put together this helpful book sharing experiences and insights from parents and children who have been involved in the adoption proce

There are numerous reasons why a baby or child is placed for adoption. It could be because of the death of parents, because an unwed mother fears she can’t handle caring for a child, or sometimes because the child will have ongoing special needs that the parents can’t handle.

Many couples have been inspired to adopt and, in this way, have dedicated themselves to provide loving homes for countless babies and children. Often couples who are unable to have children of their own will choose to adopt. Whatever the reason, the pro-life movement urges a mother not to abort her child but to consider adoption.

Sadly, difficulties sometimes arise in adoptive situations, just as they do in non-adoptive homes. Mel’s research—including interviewing many adoptive parents and adoptees as well as his own captivating, personal experiences—gives insight into adoption highs and lows but also displays how God works His will in the lives of adoptive parents and adoptees. The material presented is informative and engaging.

— Dr. Bob Vandermey

INTRODUCTION

In the following pages we will explore adoption. Specifically, we will trace birth mothers, adoptive parents, and their adopted children. We will converse with couples who have gone through the process, and we will hear about their difficulties, motivations, and blessings. We will also hear from someone who was adopted and learn how he has responded to his circumstances and environment.

It is my wish that these stories will help prepare couples who aspire to adopt.

Frank & Annie Friesen:

God Orchestrated the Outcome

It was a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon. Frank and Annie Friesen, newlyweds, were on their way home from church in their new buggy, pulled by their favorite mare, Queenie. She was a good horse, and she trotted along quietly and contentedly. Frank proudly looked at his new bride, his heart filled with love. Sweetly, Annie smiled back.

They had just bought their own farm—for one dollar—from the government of Canada, and they had just finished building their very own log cabin. Annie had hung all the window curtains and organized all the pots and pans in her new cupboards. Frank had finished caulking between the logs to keep the heat in and the cold out during the bone-chilling winters in northern Saskatchewan. Completing their joy, Annie had just shared with Frank that they would be having their first baby. Life could not be more perfect.

As the travelers began a steep descent, the buggy rode up against Queenie’s tail. Startled, the horse lurched forward and galloped down the hill uncontrollably. The buggy bounced down the hill, careening over rocks and gravel.

Suddenly the buggy’s front wheel struck a boulder, and Frank sprawled into a ditch, knocking out all his front teeth. Annie flew into the ditch behind him. Queenie raced home, dragging the broken buggy behind her.

Later, Annie’s hysterectomy shut the door on any possible Friesen babies. Frank and Annie would remain childless.

• • •

Ten years went by. Every now and then Frank and Annie talked about their desire to raise a family.

One Saturday morning as Frank went into town to buy tea, spices, sugar, and other items the farm couldn’t produce, he passed the Esau family home. The Esaus had become family friends, as well as mentors. Frank steered Queenie into the driveway