The JOY of Special Needs Adoption

My husband and I were richly blessed on January 21, 2007. It was a very cold day in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. But our hearts were overflowing with JOY to be united with our precious daughter, Hannah Grace. She was 22 months at that time. I mention her age in months, because we had started the adoption process exactly 22 months prior to her adoption. The very month and year of her birth, Greg and I started researching and praying for the right adoption agency.

Initially, we applied for a non-special needs daughter. I have been blessed with wonderful friends who encouraged me to look at the special needs list. My answer, always politely, was, “I do not think that is what the Lord has in store for us.” Fortunately, my friends continued to encourage me. One day in July, 2006 I received a pamphlet from Annabelle’s Wish. It is a non-profit organization that raises money and send supplies to orphans in China. The pamphlet contained pictures of a few special need orphans in foster care. It listed their needs and the care that was being provided. One child caught my heart. I read her condition. I began thinking, “Why are we not adopting a child with a special need? What is standing in our way?” I realized it was fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of seeing my child suffer. These are very real concerns!

But, as I sat looking at this precious child’s face, I knew that I would never be the same. I knew that I had to overcome my fears and focus on what was best for our family. Greg and I discussed changing to special needs that evening. The next day I called Villa Hope and I asked them to place us on the list of families interested in special needs.

On September 13, 2006, I received an e-mail from Michelle, the China Coordinator. It contained our daughter’s picture. The first time I saw her face, I knew she was my daughter. At the time, the medical information had not been translated. Honestly, it did not matter what the medicals stated. She was our daughter!

The last two years have contained many doctor visits and four surgeries. It has been hard. But, through everything Hannah Grace is stronger and healthier. If you look at this child, you would never know that she ever had a medical condition. She is full of life and laughter. She is our bundle of JOY!

We have been richly blessed to be Hannah Grace’s parents! Because of her, we have decided to adopt through the special needs program again. We are currently awaiting travel approval for Sarah Hope. She and Hannah Grace have the same special need. We are eagerly awaiting our new addition!

Special needs adoption has blessed our home, family, friends, church, and community. It has changed our lives for the better. Reflecting on the last two years, I do not think about the doctors or surgeries. I only see the JOY!

**The child in the Annabelle’s Wish pamphlet was adopted. She is in a wonderful family and thriving!**

- Stephanie Ragland -