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Adopting And Adapting

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By ELAINE MARKOWITZ

Tribune Correspondent

Published: August 27, 2008

WATERCHASE - Chip and Jeanine Johnson puttered around their comfortable home in Waterchase one recent morning, surrounded by the joyful activities of their three children and assorted friends and relatives.

The mix of laughter included that of Sara, a smiling, energetic 6-year-old with a deep olive complexion and long black hair. She stood in stark contrast to her fair-skinned, light-haired parents and two brothers, Skyler, 15, and Calum, 12.

The Johnsons, who adopted Sara as a baby in Guatemala in 2002, said their lives have been so enriched by her presence they tend to forget she is not theirs by birth.

"When you have children, you love them whether they're biologically yours or not," said Jeanine Johnson.

A three-year journey to adopt a child was filled with challenges, frustrations, self-evaluation and, ultimately, a deep, heartfelt love for a child in need of a home. The couple said they haven't regretted their choice for one minute, but they do say those considering adoption can learn some lessons from their experience.

The pair first explored the idea of adoption in 1999. With their sons in elementary school, the Johnsons wanted another child.

"I wasn't ready to enter the next stage of life with no children," said Chip Johnson.

His wife had received fertility treatments prior to the birth of each son and opted out of taking that route again.

"The expense is great, and the odds of conceiving that way are small," she said. "We weren't comfortable with the idea of in vitro fertilization."

On the recommendation of a friend, the couple turned to the Gift of Life, a private, nondenominational adoption agency headquartered in Pinellas Park. The agency handles adoptions from overseas and in the United States.

Some doors closed early on. With two children already, the two were told to expect a long wait for a local adoption. Russia and China required several visits of 10 days each. The Johnsons planned to take the whole family, they said, and that was too long to be out of the country, since their elder son suffers from diabetes.

Guatemala, which required only a few days' stay, became their country of choice.

Gender issues arose immediately, though.

"We wanted a girl," said Chip Johnson, "and they only had boys."

A girl was not available until September 2001, at which time the Johnsons were matched with Sara.

The couple didn't officially get their new daughter until July 2002, when the 8-month old baby and her foster mother met them in their hotel lobby.

"Literally, we got her with the clothes on her back," said the new father. "We went to our room with our suitcase and our new baby."

The hotel, set up for adoptive parents, assigned a translator to each new family.

The Johnsons' mentor stayed all night with the couple, helping them talk to their new daughter.

"Spanish was music to her ears," said Jeanine Johnson, who conceded that Sara has no familiarity with her native tongue now.

When the Johnsons arrived home, new daughter in tow, all lingering doubts were dispelled. They had been concerned about how their sons would adapt to a new child.

"It's been really good for them," Jeanine Johnson said of the two boys. "They don't think twice about her being adopted."

The boys' greatest problem, she added, was getting used to having a girl around.

Johnson said she initially wondered if she would love her sons more, or feel differently about Sara.

"You scrutinize yourself carefully to make sure you are adopting for the right reasons," she said.

Fortunately, a happy ending ensued.

"I think the biggest surprise is what a nonissue this has turned out to be," she said.

The couple even have gotten accustomed to the stares and questions of others.

"Occasionally people will ask why she's so dark when the other children are so light," said Chip Johnson.

Questions like that often catch them off guard.

"Sometimes I forget that I was never actually pregnant with her," said his blond, blue-eyed wife, "and that she won't inherit our genes."

Chip Johnson expressed awe and excitement at watching their adopted child develop.

"Sara is athletic and energetic," he said. "That's in her genes - not ours."

The Johnsons are strong proponents of adoption but urge caution for prospective parents.

"Look carefully at all your options," said Jeanine Johnson, "and expect the process to take twice as long as they tell you."

None of the glitches should discourage people from adopting, said Chip, who added, "You could be missing out on one of life's greatest blessings if you don't."

For information on the Gift of Life, go to www.giftoflifeadoption.com.

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