It's November. National Adoption Month. And while there are a million reasons that I am excited about our adoption, today I want to highlight one of my favorites - the "family" that this kiddo will be coming into.
I have never adopted before - at least not in the legal, permanent, take-my-last-name, and live with us until adulthood sense, but I often feel as though we have "adopted" a large number of extraordinary young people. Some of these amazing young men and women call me "Mom," others affectionately refer to me as Hoyo Brown (as hoyo means mother in Somali).
Our home has been a refuge to many. At one time it was home to 2 college-aged young men, other times it has been a safe haven for a high school boy who had been kicked out of his aunt's home where he had lived for the entirety of his time in this country as his biological parents still reside in East Africa. And even for those who have never slept under our roof, I hope that this home has been one of laughter, acceptance, and unconditional love. We have hosted numerous pizza parties to celebrate birthdays, backyard fires to congratulate a job well done, and "family" dinners just because. On the quieter nights, we've had handfuls for movie-watching, country music sing-a-longs while waiting for soccer practice to begin, or even the occasional, "Miss, the laundromat is really busy right now, can I please use your washer and dryer?"
The beauty of living in our neighborhood, of teaching and coaching where I do, and of connecting through local community organizations means that we can support many of these young people. Whether it's a daily check-in at school, a heartfelt conversation after a devastating loss on the soccer field, a quick hello in the neighborhood markets, a special "family" dinner, or a quick ride home after school, I have been blessed beyond measure to be present.
Adoption has always been something that I have been interested in and excited about. But somehow, I think, having these unbelievable young people a part of our lives makes me even more excited to welcome a child into our family. I already know that he or she will be loved and cared for by this incredible community around us. Among these young people I imagine we'll find our child's first soccer coach, favorite babysitter, supportive big brothers, and maybe even his or her biggest fans. I know people often say that I'm changing lives, but really these guys are the ones changing mine. And I know, without question, they will impact the life of our child(ren) in amazing ways.
Comments