We are excited to announce that the Schmidt family are the draw prize winners of our 2024 This is Belonging photo contest! Read more about their story and how their family grew through adoption.
Tell us about your family’s story. What made you decide that adoption was right for you?
After struggling with infertility for several years, we felt called to grow our family differently, and adoption turned out to be the best fit for us. The longer we are involved in adoption, the more we feel certain it has been perfect for us.
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with the adoption process overall?
Going through the process can feel very overwhelming with the homestudy, paperwork, and the adoption education program. We found that we could rely on our social workers at the Adoption Centre of BC for support during that time. They were so supportive and yearned for us to become parents as well. Each time we’ve gone through the process and have been matched for adoption, the challenges become a distant memory behind the extreme joy we feel from growing our family.
What is one piece of advice you would give to those considering adoption or permanency, or are just starting their journey?
Each adoption journey and story is unique. It’s important to be open and willing to learn and grow.
Can you tell us about one rewarding and one challenging point in your adoption experience?
Rewarding: it has brought three miracles into our family!
Challenging: the wait for a match.
How has the Belonging Network made a difference to your family?
The Belonging Network has supported our family in many ways, especially through the newsletters and the information they provide, virtual sessions on adoption, and the opportunity to attend a virtual drumming circle and story time.
What is one thing about adoption that you wish people knew?
Depending on the situation, openness in adoption can be less overwhelming than many believe. We are extremely grateful to our children’s birth parents, and it has been great for our children to connect with them in ways that work for our family so they can have a connection to their full story.
