This semester was full of so many things. Being able to present at several key conferences was truly exciting and a great growth opportunity. It did, however, make getting my dissertation chapters written more of a challenge. With the last few weeks providing more time to work on those chapters, I was able to complete the first 3 that will provide the foundation for my research. Chapters 4&5 then hinge on the research and I pray that God will grant grace in my research going well and finding significant information to add to the field of knowledge for adoptive families.
As the holiday season approaches, the bittersweet of family struggles are continued motivation to keep at this work. Knowing so many adoptive parents who grieve over children who have walked away from their families is so hard and I want to figure out how to help them walk this path with God’s comfort and peace. Your prayers are coveted as my next steps begin and the final chapters are added to finish out my dissertation and work towards the spring graduation.
Erica Rhoads, PhD, LPC, NCC 