As we wrap up week 3 of #NationalAdoptionAwarenessMonth, we want to share our sincere gratitude to Melissa Corkum. Her willingness to share her story and the wisdom she's gained is something we do not take lightly, and we are honored to have collaborated with her this month. We asked her to share about something she is passionate about, something she holds close to her heart, as an adoptee and an international adoptive parent. Here's what she said: "Over the years, as I came to understand the depth of corruption in much of international adoption, I’ve experienced both guilt and regret over the naivete with which my husband and I approached adoption as adoptive parents. My faith allows me to hold space for the both/ands of our story. I grieve that my children may have lost access to their birth country and families unnecessarily, while also being deeply thankful for the profound lessons their presence in our family has taught me. Knowing better means we can do better. I hope that sharing my story and increased awareness will help prospective adoptive parents approach adoption with greater understanding and caution. Ultimately, I hope more children get to stay within their communities and countries, preserving their roots and connections." Melissa, what a gift you are to our community and to this space. #FosterTheFamily #FosterTheFamilyUS #ThisIsAdoption #Adoption #BeTheVillage #EveryoneCanDoSomething #NAAM #AdoptionAwarenessMonth #AdoptionAwareness #AdopteeVoices #AdoptiveParents #AdoptiveFamilies
