Part One

My primary goal for visiting with the head of congregational care was to make her aware of the presence of the Attachment Disorder Network, and the services we could offer to families struggling with emotionally disturbed, attachment-affected kids. I know for a fact that there are many adoptive families in the church. When I spoke a week ago to the local county foster parent association, I was told over half of the 40 people at the meeting were members of my church. And there are many, many internationally adopted children already present, and more arriving all the time. The bulletin announces adoptions as well as births… and with over 15,000 members, that is a lot of family building!


I started by explaining a little of my story to the pastor. About a third of the way into our conversation, she shared with me that she was also an adoptive parent! I think I knew that at one time, but had forgotten. Her daughter is now in her early 20’s and doing well, but the pastor acknowledged that adoption, grief and loss issues had most definitely been a part of her parenting experience. Additionally, towards the end of the conversation, the pastor shared with me that she had several friends who had adopted around the same time as she did, and she could “tell me some real horror stories!”


Early on in the discussion I presented her with one of Deb Hannah’s books, An Unlit Path. I can’t wait to hear her response. When I mentioned that Deb and her family changed churches because their first church was part of the problem rather than part of the solution, the pastor nodded her head in understanding. I noted that, but didn’t pursue it. Additionally, I left the pastor an ADN new member packet, 8-10 old newsletters, and information on One Church One Child.

To be continued…