While We Wait Spiritual and Practical Advice for Those Trying to Adopt

Written by Heidi Schlumpf

Paperback book -- 128 pages -- 5.5 x 8.5 -- ACTA Publications -- September 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 who 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 Unknown "Due Date"
• The Paperchase
• Rude Strangers
• Extended Family
• 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.

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.