Our South African Social Worker

Earlier this month we had an opportunity to meet with Robyn Shepstone, our South African social worker. Robyn came to Canada, accompanied by a woman who runs a South African baby house, to meet with families in the process of adopting, as well as to be reunited with families who have already adopted from South Africa and with the children in who's lives she played such an important role. The first part of the day was allotted for families who were in the process of adopting. It was good to meet some people whom we had met at earlier seminars, one couple even from the very first seminar before we had officially decided to adopt.

It was really wonderful to meet Robyn and hear her speak about the process of adoption from her end. She begins already with the birth mother, discussing options about her pregnancy and her child, and then leads that child all the way through to his adoptive parents. Over the years she has carefully built and maintained relationships with all areas of bureaucracy which sounds like a very difficult task.

Robyn patiently answered all of our questions (we came armed with a list of them) and it was very reassuring to see how competent and efficient she is.

The second half of the day was geared towards families who have already adopted. This reunion was wonderful to witness. Robyn showed clear joy at seeing each family that she had united, and couldn't take her eyes of the children. Impressed with the personal investment that she had made in the lives of each child, I commented to her that it must be very exciting to see the children again. She responded in clear agreement, picking up a child and saying, I watched this little girl get born!

We are so grateful for Robyn, that she will be there, loving our son from the very start. May the Lord bless her!