What It's Like To...

What it's like to Adopt 5 Special Needs Children Internationally

June 22, 2022 Elizabeth Pearson Garr Season 3 Episode 4
What It's Like To...
What it's like to Adopt 5 Special Needs Children Internationally
Show Notes

There are many ways to create a family.  When Mary and Tony McQuinn's two biological sons were 13 and 8 years old, they expanded their family by adopting a baby girl with special needs from Korea.  In the years to follow they would adopt another baby boy from Korea, and three girls from China--ages 13, 9, and 7; all with special needs.  

In this episode, Mary McQuinn candidly shares her initial reluctance to the idea of adopting as well as the many challenges, rewards, and joys they've experienced along their journey:

  • Why they sought out international adoptions rather than domestic (01:34)
  • How they decided to adopt an older child (age 13) from China (10:13)
  • Challenges for children who have been in an orphanage for years (13:12)
  • What life was like in the Chinese orphanage their girls lived in (22:28)
  • Keeping cultural ties to Korea and China (30:50)
  • Advice for others considering international adoptions (35:30)

Mary pushed herself far outside of her "comfort zone" and ended up with a much fuller house--and a much fuller life--than she ever imagined.


Want to know more about Mary?

  • find her on Facebook: @mary.mcquinn


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