Frequently Asked Question Number 2 (Sort of- not really)

We interrupt the regularly scheduled answering of Question 2 by providing additional clarification of Question 1.  Confused?  Hang in there, I'll explain.  I didn't want to proceed with answering Question 2, "Why China?" without providing some additional insight about last week's entry.  You see, I DO NOT want to give the impression that adoption is ever second rate or not as good as having biological children.  I mentioned various reasons why people adopt and tried to educate you that some people adopt to add to their families instead of having biological children.  Some choose to adopt even if there are no fertility issues.  You see, when talking about our pursuit of adoption I've heard it spoken to others, about others, and even spoken to me, "oh, so you couldn't have kids of your OWN, so you're adopting?"  Uh, no, that's not it.  First off, this statement is usually said in a downtrodden sympathetic sing-song voice accompanied by an apologetic tone.  Which, although well-meaning, comes across snide and insensitive many times.  Sorry folks, I'm just being real. Perhaps you've made this mistake, my intent is not to make you feel horrible, but to educate you so in the future you may know to be more sensitive to others you meet that are involved with adoption.  Secondly, the mere implication that adopted children are not your own is ludicrous, ie. "so you couldn't have your OWN children".  Once adopted into a family, that child is no longer someone else's, they do not continue to be orphans, foster children, etc.  They become very much your OWN child.  Adoption may not always be every one's Plan A but like I said before, God has a way of getting you in the position to accept what HE wants for your life.  Many times in life our Plan A, B, and C are not God's plans and we have to yield to that.  Not many people set out to adopt right away unless faced with fertility issues or failed pregnancies, but some do.  Saying that natural conception/childbirth is the only way you can have a child of your OWN is crazy.  I'm sure if you asked, most people don't think, "Hmm, enough with "doing it the old-fashioned way",  I want to try AI or in vitro!"  So the next time you encounter someone who is or has adopted, don't necessarily offer pity as your first reaction.  This expectancy for us is just as real as anyone with a preggy belly.  Be happy, show joy- this road can be tough, we don't need you to think we're  "playing second fiddle."  It's not second choice, second best, second rate.  May not have been our first thought, given we assumed we could conceive and have a biological child. But how could you ever "second guess" the Creator of it all?  Like I said, He has ways of getting you on the path that He wants for you.  Our plans are not always His plans.