Road to Belonging

Road to Belonging is a beautiful and poignant memoir of Lynne's life as an adopted person that illuminates the complexities and lifelong impact of the 'Closed Adoption' practice in Aotearoa NZ. She normalises the desire to know one's roots and what that journey can be like for all parties in the adoption circle once embarked upon. Lynne doesn't shy away from the 'darkness' of the adoptive experience and offers hope that with faith, support and when our human need for love and kindness is met, it can change so much. Lynne also shines a light on a thread of enduring love and faith in God that can weave its way through our day-to-day lives and sustain us through whatever we endure if we look for it. This special book offers both adopted and non-adopted people valuable and deeper insight into the adoption experience, the power of faith, and the sensitive nature of reunion. Jo Willis, Personal Development and Leadership Coach, www.jowilliscoach.com Growing up with my mother secretary for 26 years of Childhaven, a home for unmarried mothers, I was familiar with the girls' side of the story. They did not give up their babies easily but were forced by the social attitudes of the times-and sheer financial necessity. To read Lynne's poignant account of being an adopted child opened my eyes to what it meant to her to be part of a loving family yet needing to know the truth about her birth mother so that she could discover her full identity. This is a book that should be read by everyone concerned with adoption. Elaine Blick, Author of First Names Only Road to Belonging is a heartwarming account of the delicate topic of the issues surrounding closed adoption. Lynne invites us into her intimate experiences of reconnecting with her birth parents and what it means to weave a family out of biological and non-biological kin. It is both challenging and inspiring, giving us glimpses into Lynne's deeply held faith as an anchor for her soul. As a counsellor, I can sense her soul's yearning to know who and whose she is, since attachment is at the heart of being human. From a place of shame and secrecy to a spacious place of belonging, this book is sure to inspire anyone who knows someone or has had a similar experience. Ruth Lawson-McConnell PhD, www.ruthmcconnell.com This is a beautiful story of love, family, and belonging, eloquently narrated by Lynne as she shares the struggles and joys of searching for her birth parents. There is a Māori whakataukī (proverb): Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua which means ""I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past"". It tells of how our ancestral history remains with us always as part of our present life. I admire Lynne's generosity in sharing her journey towards reconciliation with her lost family and commend her on taking that ""handful of courage and hope"" to walk backwards into her future. Dr Nikki Kiyimba, Clinical Academic and Trauma Specialist A poignant, tender story that touches your heart. Told with simple honesty and no trace of bitterness, the painful questions, the deep yearning for family connection, and ultimately the life-changing answers weave a beautiful hope-filled story of healing and restoration. Rosie Boom, www.rosieboom.com Identity and belonging-the need to know who we are, and that we are loved, are basic components of our wellbeing. Lynne's poignant description of her brave journey to reclaim these attributes is an inspiration. Her story sheds light on the human condition and will provide comfort and hope for many. Alistair Reese PhD, Farmer, Historian and Theologian