While We Wait: Spiritual & Practical Advice for Those Trying to Adopt [Paperback]

Heidi Schlumpf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2009

Adoption is a beautiful event, and building a family through adoption is a loving and selfless act. But the decision to adopt and the many stages that follow are often pock-marked with tears, distress, anger, and disappointment. While We Wait, written by a mother while she struggled through the process herself, is a hope-filled collection of reflections on the everyday, practical aspects of adoption but also offers a spiritual grounding for frustrated and stressed-out prospective parents. Topics addressed include:

• Adopting after Infertility
  
• The Paperchase
  
• Extended Family
  
• The Unknown "Due Date"
  
• Rude Strangers
  
• Living in the Present
  

Author Heidi Schlumpf adopted her first child internationally, but While We Wait is an essential spiritual and practical resource for all adopting parents, including men, singles, families with biological or other adopted children, or those adopting domestically.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is an honest, compassionate, and encouraging spiritual resource. I learned so much from Heidi Schlumpf's insights and her lived experience as an adoptive parent. --Joyce Rupp, author of God's Enduring Presence

While We Wait is a candid and heartfelt account of the emotional journey prospective parents travel when building their families through adoption. Heidi Schlumpf's message is both affirming and inspiring as she speaks to the many struggles encountered along the path to parenthood. Her words--coupled with the writings of beloved spiritual leaders--are a true gift of hope to those who wait. --Therese Bartlett, author of When You Were Born in Vietnam

About the Author

Heidi Schlumpf has been a religion writer for 20 years and currently is an associate professor of communication at Aurora University outside of Chicago. She and her husband, Edmund, have a son from Vietnam. They are expecting a second child from China.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: ACTA Publications (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879464062
• ISBN-13: 978-0879464066
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,651,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars God's presence in pain and joy, November 5, 2009

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: While We Wait: Spiritual & Practical Advice for Those Trying to Adopt (Paperback)

Heidi Schlumpf is an associate professor of communication at Aurora University and a religious writer whose work often appears in National Catholic Reporter. While We Wait is the story of what she and her husband Edmund experienced over three years as they waited for their first adopted child, a seven-month-old boy from Vietnam. As this book went to press, they were looking forward to expanding their family with a baby girl from China. Although we learn the circumstances that brought Heidi and Edmund to adoption and the course they chose, the book contains practical advice for those whose stories are different in the details.

The six chapters address (1) why adopt, (2) seasons of waiting, (3) those who wait with you, (4) when the going gets tough, (5) coping strategies, and (6) spiritual resources. The chapters consist of roughly a dozen short reflections, each of which begins with a quotation and ends with a prayer. In her introduction Schlumpf suggests two ways individuals might use this resource. Some may start at the beginning and read one reflection each day; others may select topics that relate to their current situation.

While We Wait emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's presence, especially in difficult times. "God is with me in my pain, not causing it," Schlumpf writes. "And God is with me in my joy." She shares spiritual resources that help her, including Scripture, prayer, reflection on lives of the saints and mystics, and worshipping in community. She also describes a variety of coping strategies, such as keeping busy, slowing down, and letting go; connecting with nature and beauty; and service to others.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good companion to those living the wait, March 1, 2010

By 

LauraLiz (WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: While We Wait: Spiritual & Practical Advice for Those Trying to Adopt (Paperback)

We were given this book by a dear friend who understood the mixed blessing of our adoption journey- both the anticipation and anxiety. We adopted our first child with few complications. It was, as adoption journeys go, relatively painless. The journey to adopt our second child has been quite different. We've endured a long wait and suffered the loss of a failed adoption. This book is genuine. Its reflections offer comfort and a sense of belonging. It is amazing that an author can reach out and relate to my experiences when each adoption journey is so different. I'd reccomend this to any couple in the adoption process.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Author!, June 23, 2011

By 

Mary Schlumpf "Keesus Knitter" (Merton, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: While We Wait: Spiritual & Practical Advice for Those Trying to Adopt (Kindle Edition)

This is the greatest book for anyone waiting for an adopted child--parent, grandparent, extended relatives. I liked the way the book was designed--with short chapters and down-to-earth topics. The writing is superb.