Precious...

A journal entry so inspiring, I wanted to share with you... This is the story of the adoption of a girl named Ghela. Please read and follow the link below for the full journal entry...

Allow me to tell you Ghela’s story first:

Ghela was pre-maturely born in a hospital – which is a blessing compared to other orphans in kuwait born in houses and left on the street. She stayed in the premature babies ward for 3 months during which the hospital has been trying to locate her mother who has provided them with a false civil identification card, a father’s name that did not exist and a wrong phone number. Since the mother could not be located, Ghela stayed in the hospital for One year 10 months – under a different name – before being transferred to the orphanage where she got her name; Ghela meaning ‘precious’

For the full Journal entry go to Specialmother's blog (link)

Inspirational Group...

I just got back from the 2nd adoption support-group meeting hosted by the wonderful adoptive mother, Zeina Sultan... The attendees were other adoptive mothers, professionals and supporters.  It was an inspirational and educational meeting, which will hopefully keep growing and reaching all adoptive families.  These meetings aim to provide information sharing between the mothers, but professionals have attended to lend professional advise when needed.  There is an understanding of confidentiality, so names and pictures will not be distributed except with appropriate consent.  

Here is a list of some of the topics that were covered tonight:

• How to address prejudice and lack of education within our society
• What, when, how?...Telling your adopted child about the adoption.
• Difficulties in the adoption process
• The importance of finding a support network

These are common questions that will be addressed on a regular basis.  Parents are encouraged to send in their questions before hand.  They are also welcomed to share any materials, resources or references that have found useful. 

In a previous post I had mentioned the group "Special Mothers" (link), a group which Zeina hopes can provide information and support for parents who are not able or ready to join the support-group meetings.  You may also find the blog www.myfosteringlife.blogspot.com helpful.

If you are interested in learning more about the special mothers group and/or the meetings, you may contact Zeina by emailing her at: zeina.ben.essa@gmail.com.  

Adoption Read-y

Recently I posted about a very important but often undiscussed issue: Adoption.  After consulting with Om Wahabi, a wonderful mother of two gorgeous adopted children, I provide you with her recommended reading list...  I also encourage those of you who are interested in knowing more about adoption locally to check out "Special Mothers" page on Facebook.

Please do feel free to share your own experiences and suggested reading...

1. Found , Jennifer Lauck
2. Attaching in adoption, Deborah D. Gray
3. The Primal Wound, Nancy Newton Verrier
4. 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed, Sherrie Eldridge
5. Making Sense of Adoption, Lois Ruskai Melina
6. Twice born, Betty Jean Lifton

Found , by Jennifer Lauck

Attaching in adoption, by Deborah D. Gray

The Primal Wound, by Nancy Newton Verrier

20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed, by Sherrie Eldridge

Making Sense of Adoption, by Lois Ruskai Melina

Twice born, by Betty Jean Lifton