Waiting To Adopt During the Holidays

“During the holidays, for me, it was really different each season. Sometimes I really wanted and needed the love and excitement that came from those family gatherings with all the babies everywhere. And then other times it was really hard and brought a lot of sadness...So I would just encourage folks to be mindful of what you need during that particular season, recognize that what works well for someone else might not work well for you, and what works for one particular holiday season might not work well for the next round of holidays”--Julie E.

In this episode, our guest is a good friend and adoption mentor of host, Laci Richter. Julie, adoptive mom of two, joins us to talk about Waiting To Adopt During The Holidays. Julie shares memories of her adoption wait during the holidays and gives practical advice on how to handle the extra emotions that come along with waiting during a busy and sometimes hectic time of year.

Here’s what you will hear:

• How Julie’s adoption journey started fast, but then slowed to a crawl.
• Emotions Julie still processes knowing she missed her daughter’s first birthday and first
Christmas.
• Practical tips for dealing with family members who say all the wrong things.
• Gifts that waiting adoptive families can include on their Christmas list.

Julie’s 3 action items that can help turn the long wait into a more intentional and hopeful time:

• Surround yourself with a supportive and encouraging community.
• Be careful with your expectations (don’t let your expectations exceed your communication).
• Invest in your own personal and spiritual growth and development (prayer, bible study, devotionals).

About this Podcast

The Adoption Wait podcast was created for waiting adoptive parents looking for ways to feel less alone in their adoption journey. Join author and host Laci Richter (Refuel Your Wait: Find Hope and Overcome Fear While Adopting) as she chats with adoptive parents who have been through the wait. If you are waiting to adopt, these are the conversations that will offer practical advice and emotional support from those who get it.