How do you Support an Adoptive Parent?

I've come to realize that most people don't really know what to do with adoptive parents. It isn't their fault. We really don't do a lot to publicize adoption and therefore, we don't know what to do. With pregnancy we can get excited as we see a belly grow or celebrate an ultrasound picture. Adoptive parents don't have that. They have big words like Dossier and Homestudy and I600A forms. Don't see too many greeting cards for "Congrats on getting that Dossier done!" So, this past week, I've had several things happen to John and me that have been supportive of our adoption:
*John's parents sent us baby stuff! We got burp cloths and a blanket and a stuffed bear that plays "Jesus loves me!" It was a sign that they are getting excited too!
*One of our churches (Susan is a pastor of two United Methodist congregations) gave a gift to Susan and John in honor of Pastor Appreciation month. It was a gift to Africa Famine Relief in their name. This was a great gift which said, "Hey, we celebrate your adopting from Africa and we want to be a part of the process! Meant the world!!!!
*Susan and John got a cartoon from Susan's mom that showed two kangaroos coming up to another kangaroo. In the pouch of one it held a giraffe and the kangaroos said, "We've adopted!" Not only was this funny, but it was a sign of support and encouragement!
*A church member came up to Susan and talked about her experience of a neighbor who had adopted from Eastern Europe. It was her way of starting the conversation and made Susan feel like her adoption was important.
*Susan's parents went with her to look at cribs and strollers. Even though we have a ways to go, there is a need to nest. This helped validate the need to nest and prepare!

So, if you know of someone who is adopting and are wondering what to do...it's the little things that can matter. Ask the couple what is going on in their process. Talk with them about it. Have the couple share their story. Learn all you can about the country and make a gift to help relieve suffering in that region. Know that even though a belly isn't getting bigger and it may be a long wait, pregnancy is happening!

Continued thanks for the support! 11 months to go!