International Adoption
A couple overcomes the extra challenges of their adoption with help from others
When Scott and Kelly were married, they knew that Kelly was not able to have biological children due to a rare, progressive condition of her spinal cord, so they always knew that someday they would adopt. Kelly had always been drawn to adoption through her mother’s god daughters—two little girls adopted from Korea. When she and Scott were ready to adopt, they chose to pursue a China adoption. They first contacted another agency in West Michigan, but then came to AAI. “It was like night and day. We knew right away this was the agency we wanted. The China program was so organized.”
Applying for China
The couple began their adoption journey and applied for China. However, due to Kelly’s disability, the Chinese government did not approve their application. Carol, their consultant, helped them switch to another program. After a few more setbacks, Kelly and Scott were ready to give up. “Something was nagging at me telling me to reapply for China. We did, and then Ming (AAI International Adoption Coordinator) called us and told us we had been accepted.”
Extra Challenges
Because China is an ancient culture with many monuments having been built thousands of years ago, not many things are wheelchair accessible. “China is not accessible at all. There are just thousands of stairs everywhere.” Kelly saw the daunting task of getting up and down stairs, maneuvering through the streets, and fitting down aisle ways. “People on the streets would stare and take pictures. You just don’t see someone in a wheelchair in China.”
The Group
The couple was fortunate to have helping hands. “We had such a phenomenal group.” When going up and down stairs, other adoptive fathers from their group would help Scott carry Kelly in her chair so she was able to visit the various sights. When getting on and off buses, Kelly and Scott “borrowed” another group member to help by holding Abriel while Scott carried Kelly off the bus. But Kelly began to feel terrible about always having to ask for help. While sightseeing one day, she told the other group members, “You guys go ahead, I will stay here.” One of the other adoptive fathers looked at her and said, “You came all the way to China and you are going to see everything that we see.” They were constantly at her side providing love and support.
Abrial
The night finally came for the group to meet their children. When Abrial saw Kelly, she put out her arms out to her new Mother and never cried. “When she met us she never showed any fear. It was completely meant to be.”
Fulfilling a Dream
Is international adoption different for someone with a disability? “China is not (wheelchair) accessible at all. It was very fortunate that I am a small person and even that I have a small, pediatric size wheel chair. It would have been even more difficult had I been any larger.” But nothing was going to stop Kelly from making the trip and soaking up her daughter’s culture. “I was fortunate to have such a great group of people who were willing to help.” Kelly encourages people with disabilities to adopt and not allow anything to stop them from fulfilling their dream of having a child.
More Information
For more information on international adoption through Adoption Associates, Inc, visit our international adoption web page or request an adoption information packet today.
