Brooks Family Adoption

Here's a riddle: is the glass half empty or half full? (answer to follow)

Our desire to adopt stemmed from a trip I took to the northern area of Mexico about 10 years ago. I was in my 40s and attending seminary. I'd traveled to Mexico to look at the hardships surrounding the complex issue of Central American migration into the US. As I was listening to a local Director of Family Services talk about the sad plight of orphans and children with disabilities, I was deeply moved (our oldest child has developmental disabilities).

When I came home and related my conversation to Liz, she was inspired. Although we already had 3 teenage children, we decided to adopt. Within 3 months we identified a little boy in an oprhanage in China. Nine months later we were flying to Beijing to bring him home. We named him Isaac (Hebrew for "laughter") and he's brought laughter to our hearts ever since.

Fast forward 8 years. I'd been a minister for a number of years and Liz again felt the call to adopt. Caleb (the name we're giving this boy) is a 9 year old orphan living in Beijing. While we recognize that adopting in one's 50s makes no rational sense, we feel its the right thing to do. Caleb will be two years younger than Isaac. 

I joked with Liz that if we adopt, the cost is such that I'm not likely going to retire for another 20 years. To which Liz replied, without missing a beat, "I'm ok with that!"

It's not in our nature to ask for contributions. And I know this is our decision and you have no obligation to help. At the same time, I believe God has a strong prejudice in favor of those who live in the margins of life. And your contribuiton might just put your heart closer to God's. 

We've been humbled and amazed at the generosity of our friends so far. Thanks for listening and considering a pledge.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Answer: it depends -- are you holding the cup and wanting a drink, or are you pouring?