I love the concept of mentoring.

As we’ve embarked on our homeschool journey this school year and our educational horizons have expanded to include things the kids want to learn, I’ve begun to consider the many things that other people can teach us. We’ve found people to teach us art and Chinese, and have discussed a trade with another homeschooling family that would include my music skills for their chemistry ones. We’ve found a man from Wildlife, Fish and Game department who will do a tour and workshop for our children, and have even pre-arranged a visit to see the inner workings of the local McDonalds. While not all of these experiences will necessarily factor into the kids’ career choices, they do help them to more thoroughly explore their options and become more well-rounded individuals.

Today in school, we finished up a book called The Apprentice (not to be confused with Trump’s abomination), which is about a young boy who becomes a painter’s apprentice in Renaissance Italy, and I was again struck with what cool concepts mentoring and apprenticeship are. Schools and classes are great, but there is SO much that can be learned from a person who is truly an expert in their field – a maestro, as in our story.

Titus 2:3-5 tells me that I have an obligation to be of help to younger moms in several areas, many of which I’m certainly not a master of (and for the record, I am NOT “aged” ;) ):

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

After reading this scriptural encouragement to be a mentor, or a “teacher of good things,” I realized that adoption could certainly be included in this counsel. I may not be an “adoption maestro,” but I’ve learned a lot over the years, through research and experience, and I now enjoy being able to share that knowledge with others. I’m always willing to answer questions, be a sounding board, a cheerleader or “prayer warrior” for those who need it. If I can be of help to families hoping to adopt, it’s worth any small sacrifices I may have to make along the way.

If you’re considering adoption or are just getting started, I encourage you to find a mentor, if you haven’t already. A “real life” version is ideal, but the Internet has opened up lots of options if there isn’t someone near you who can help. It’s easy to feel like you’re the first one who’s ever undertaken such an effort and feel completely overwhelmed if you don’t have help – help beyond what an agency can offer. Especially if you don’t have much a support system in your close friends and family, a mentor can be invaluable.

If you’re an experienced adoptive parent, I hope you’ll consider sharing your knowledge with others who are taking those shaky first steps. Remember how you felt in the beginning – the questions you had, the worries that crept into your mind, and the panic you felt over how you would EVER possibly be able to afford it! If you know of someone who’s adopting or thinking about adopting, offer your help rather than waiting to be asked. If you really know your stuff, consider giving a presentation to interested families at church or at a community function. Give some thought to volunteering as a contact person for new families with an agency you've used in the past. There are lots of ways to be of help to others. And you can count on being blessed for your efforts! :)

Places to get or give support:

LDS Adoption Forum
"Getting Started" Forum