The Labor of Adoption

February 25, 2012 Journey to Mazie, Nancy 4 Comments

My head is absolutely full. Overflowing.

T-2 1/2 days.

Really, could I be leaving for China that soon?

Oh yes you can.


I wake up each morning, look out on the floor, and wonder who in the world spilled my brains out all over the carpet. Now how did those get there?

I told myself that this was not going to happen this time. I have again been proven wrong.

I wish I had the serenity of a peaceful expectant mother, with a glow in her cheeks.

I don’t.

My emotions are swinging all over the place. At one moment I giddy, then the next I swing to stress. Still much to do. There are lists everywhere. I’m finally going to hold my daughter in just days! Will she like me? Is she ok? Luggage is spewing from the closets. So many things to keep track of, and I feel like I might be forgetting to do most of them. If I can get an entree on the table at night, the family is in luck that day.

This is the labor of adoption.

Worry, fear, confusions, stress, and pain. Coupled with joy, anticipation, longing, and love.

No different from a biological labor in hind-sight?

I’ve experienced 4 biological labors, 1 with an epidural, 2 without, (one of those resulted in a 10 lb baby) and 1 with an epidural on only the left side, which let me tell you sista’ does not actually constitute an epidural at all in my opinion! If I’m being honest, biological labor was easier. Yes, there was more physical pain in child birth, but in international adoption the emotional upheaval lasts longer and can be far more destructive than the pain of child birth.

Top adoption off with some jet lag, a foreign language, 8,000+ miles, some heavy lifting, and a little traveler’s bug and voilĂ ! You have all the makings of an expectant mama whose emotions are swinging faster than 14-year-old teenage girl.

I’m praying regularly for God to give me peace. For me to be able to feel His hand on me as we start this journey. To surrender. I didn’t do that very well last time. I have no doubt that He has equipped me with all I need. But I have some concern that I’ll be able to access all the tools I’ve been given. I feel like this beautiful child deserves at least this – a mother who is giddy with anticipation and love that she has longed for. Maybe this is part of the myth of adoption. And indeed I am this mother… under a whirlwind of emotions.




4 responses to “The Labor of Adoption”

  1. Kristi says:

    Waiting excitedly to follow your journey and praying for you!

  2. Laine Ferrill says:

    So excited for you! All those labor emotions you described just sent me back to each time we went to China….I don’t think it matters how many times we adopt, those labor emotions are ALWAYS there! And yes, God ALWAYS comes through!!!! May you experience the peace of His presence in each and every moment!
    Hugs!

  3. Aus says:

    By now you are on your way to the airport – said simply – fair winds and following seas on your travels….

    and hugs – aus and co.

  4. Leslie says:

    Yes fair winds and safe travels!

    With those same emotions still being so fresh on my mind, I so appreciate this post. Thanks for keeping it real!

    You will have your baby in your arms in less than a week!

    HAVE FUN TOO!

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