Kamloops families share journeys to adoption

“Other than extended family and perhaps some of the traumatic experiences that they might have had as younger kids before they came to live with us, I wouldn’t say it’s really all that much different from just raising your own kids,” said Joshua.

The Claycamps say they always planned to adopt.

“We had thought that we would have biological children and adopt as well,” Shanti said. “When we didn’t have biological children right away, we just jumped right to adoption.”

They adopted their oldest, Chloe, about nine years ago. She is now 10 years old, Olive is eight, and Ben is almost six.

The Claycamps have always been open with their children about being adopted.

“As they grow they have more understanding,” Shanti said. “I remember when Olive one day — it’s like the lightbulb went off and she goes, ‘Mommy, did you know that Timothy’s mom is also his tummy mom?’ That’s our neighbours, one of her friends. She kind of put it together like, ‘Oh, not everyone out there has a separate tummy mom, and his mom is his tummy mom. Wow! How is that possible?'”

Joshua is the pastor of First Baptist Church, where adoption is common among members.

Ryan and Kyla Bleyenberg also attend the church. They have two biological children and are in the final stages of adopting their third child.

“I think we’re eager and excited,” Kyla said. “I think because of how long it’s taken up to this point I don’t have any expectations on how much longer it’s going to take.”

The Bleyenbergs began the adoption process two years ago.

While they wait, they are preparing their children for a new sibling. They have found a useful resource in the Adoptive Families Association of BC.

“Their website has a plethora of resources, there’s an 800 number you can call and talk to someone about it, so even just if you have questions, that would be an excellent place to go,” Kyla said.

Both the Bleyenbergs and the Claycamps are big advocates for adoption, encouraging others to consider it as well.

“Right now in British Columbia there are, I think, over 700 kids, maybe even more than that are in ministry care that are awaiting adoption,” Joshua said, “and they’re great kids and they need a home, and the folks that are involved with placing kids are really well-equipped and they will walk alongside you and help you through every step of the process, and you have nothing to fear just by filling out an application and just seeing where that road may take you.”

by Jill Sperling

Kamloops families share journeys to adoption

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