So I should have started this blog several months ago but I have only just got around to it! So many thoughts in my head in my heart... so I'll go back to the very beginning and keep blogging up til now. If you've been on the journey with me, I thank you for not discounting my dream, and for your encouragement.
In the latter part of 2010 I did some leadership training, which was of immeasurable value to me personally and in my worklife. In the last session, Anna the trainer told us to write, without thinking, five things we would do if time and money were no object. I wrote:
1. Travel.
2. Help the underserved.
I hesitated, then without knowing what I'd write I started and there came
3. Adopt a child with albinism.
I didn't get any further in my list.
I was pretty stunned because this had NOT been a consideration in my life. Never.
To those who don't know me, I have albinism. I am the 48 year old mum of 4, who are aged 22, 20, 18 and 16. At the end of this year (2011) all four of our children will have finished their schooling and two have already left home.
So you can see that bringing a child into this home isn't a logical step.
I mulled over this thought for quite a while, unable to grasp they "why" of having written it. Was it really my subconscious? I can honestly say no. While at an international conference for people with albinism (PWA) in July 2010 I saw a number of American families who had adopted kids with albinism (KWA) mainly from China. I looked at them and did not feel any stirrings of desire to follow their lead. In fact I thought "but why would you? It's nice, but....why?"
Famous last words?
My husband keeps reiterating how next year we'll have no children at home and can travel the world every couple of years, in preparation for grandchildren... so I didn't know how to tell him this was in my head, but the more I tried to forget about it, the more it came to front of mind.
Finally, after an argument, my husband asked me what had been bothering me 'for so long'. I said "well I want to adopt a baby with albinism and you won't let me." Silence.
Then he said "So have we talked about this? Have you actually asked me?"
Discussion ensued. :) With me saying "but I know how much you're looking forward to an empty house, I don't know why I'm thinking this, part of me thinks it's from God, part of me thinks I just need to go help the orphans, part of me is just confused"
He said "go ahead and look into what's involved. Let's see if we even can, and then decide what to do"
Bless him, he puts up with my whims and tantrums and now he's putting up with this... this whatever it is.
I started researching. I found a photo of a little boy about 6 years old on an American agency website and I fell madly in love with his photo. (They say 'Don't fall in love with a photo" now I know why) His little earnest face captured my heart and filled me with something I can't put into words. Just an overwhelming sense of....something indefinable.
So then I researched Australian overseas adoptions. Oh hang on, a whole new ballgame develops! In Australia, you can't use an agency, you use the government of your state. And you can't choose a child, a child is chosen for you. And it can cost....sooo much!!! And I read of people waiting years.
So what was happening? I didn't feel so happy with this, especially when I had "my" little boy's photo in my mind!
I tentatively mentioned my thoughts to a few close friends, who were supportive. I emailed a US friend (with albinism) who was one of those who had adopted a KWA from China to seek her advice and do comparisons. I was left with more questions. Why could it be done so easily in America and not here?
So. Armed with possibly more bravado than sense I emailed the Dept of Families and Communities in my home state and anxiously awaited their reply.
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