The worker shared some interesting demographic information about what they are seeing at the Waterloo Region F&CS - First of all, there has been a dramatic increase over the past 6 months in the number of infants being placed for adoption in our region (good news for us); however, the number of infants exposed to narcotics inutero is also on the rise. She asked how open we were to adopting an infant who was exposed to drugs - The question caught us off guard as it is something Grant & I have never really thought about. We have discussed in length our views on adopting an infant who was exposed to alcohol, but our discussions never ventured in the direction of prenatal drug exposure. I attended a conference back in the fall regarding FASD and if I am remembering correctly (my notes are at work & since today is a snow day & work is closed, I can't refer to them), the research presented indicates minimal long-term impact of prenatal exposure to drugs such as cocaine, unlike the permanent brain damage that occurs with prenatal alcohol exposure. Regardless of an infant's birth history, Grant and I strongly believe that God will guide us to our child and we will love him/her unconditionally and be committed to tackling all challenges that come our way (especially in the teen years - we're youth workers so we know what happens when puberty hits!). The worker said we will receive emails & phone calls from the adoption worker when an infant is available for adoption and we can ask as many questions as we want about the infant's birth history and health and it will be our decision whether or not to accept the match. To be completely honest, of course I want to be aware of our baby's birth and family history and that is why an open adoption is very important to us; however, I have complete faith in God's perfect timing and His ultimate design...
For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139:12-14 (New International Version)
Below you will find the lyrics to a praise & worship song that is near and dear to my heart...He Knows My Name
Written by Tommy Walker
Verse 1:
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands
Chorus:
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
Verse 2:
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
