A lifelong dream, realised
We sat down with Funmi, a 55 year old mum whose family have a proud legacy of caring for adopted children, to learn more about her inspiring journey of adoption with her daughter and what it’s like to adopt as a single parent. As a Christian woman, Funmi believes that her faith helped guide her to adoption as a calling.
“Ever since I was a child, adoption has always been in my heart,” Funmi said. “I had a very clear idea of what was expected of me growing up: I’d go to university, get married and have children. Adoption was like a calling to me. I knew that it was going to be part of my life, regardless of whether or not I had biological children.”
Though Funmi had a clear path set out before her, she found herself feeling lost when life didn’t follow the path she’d expected.
“I succeeded at university, but I didn’t meet the right man. I felt frustrated that my life was not going according to how I’d planned, so I decided to leave things in God’s hands and went home to Nigeria for a year and a half. That time was very healing for me, and when I came back to the UK, I felt like a brand new person.”
“Throughout that time, my dream of adoption stayed with me. I realised that I’d wasted too much time trying to do what was expected of me, rather than seizing what I wanted for myself. Husband or no husband, I was ready to move on in life, and the next stage for me was raising a child.”
Precious family moments
Funmi started the adoption process during the Covid-19 pandemic. The process had its challenges at this difficult time, but thanks to Funmi’s resilience and determination, she was able to welcome home her beloved daughter.
“It’s been so rewarding watching my little girl grow surrounded by love and security,” she said. “I remind her every day just how much Mama loves her. With just the two of us together, she gets all of my 1-1 care and attention, and I have all the time in the world for her. She’s 4 years old now, and I love watching her explore and be herself. She has a really sparkling personality, and she wants to be a doctor when she grows up!”
We asked Funmi what her most memorable moments of her adoption journey have been. She answered:
“I’ll always be grateful to the Adopters for Adoption team for the way they fought hard to help me secure a visa for my little girl when everyone in my family was planning to fly to Nigeria to celebrate my mum’s 80th birthday. I was so afraid that we wouldn’t be able to make it, but we were able to secure the documents and my entire family had the opportunity to meet my daughter. They had loved her even before they met her, and it was so marvellous to see her running around and playing with her cousins, so comfortable and free. That experience is something I’ll treasure forever.”
Encouraging others to consider adoption
Funmi remains passionate about adoption and encourages others in her life to follow in her footsteps. Funmi also points to the national shortage of black adopters, with statistics showing that black children in the UK wait longer to be adopted from the care system.
“I have single friends who are in the position I was in, waiting for a partner before becoming a parent. In truth, we all get to choose our own path. People have misconceptions that they need a partner to adopt, or that adopting takes money, both of which are false. Others think that their race or culture may be a barrier to adopting, but that isn’t the reality. There’s a real need for more black adopters and there are so many beautiful children waiting for a loving parent.”
When asked what advice she’d share with others thinking of adopting, Funmi said:
“The adoption process can be very draining, but you’ll receive lots of support with Adopters for Adoption, like I have. The staff have been very supportive and efficient and the support groups for adoptive parents have been a lifeline.”
“You need to be resilient to go through the adoption process. It’s not an easy journey, but don’t be afraid. If you have love in your heart and it’s something you really want to do, don’t let anything hold you back.”
Interested in hearing more incredible real-life stories of adoption like Funmi’s? Check out our heart-warming collection of adoption stories.
A beautiful life together
Are you a single person interested in beginning your own adoption journey? No matter your relationships status, ethnicity, sexuality or gender identity, we’d love to give you a warm welcome and all the information you need. Call us on 0800 5877 791 or fill in our enquiry form. We also welcome you to attend our next virtual information event.
