Two weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity to launch my book, Finding the Rest of Me, in the Quaker unwed mother’s home where I was born. I gave a presentation about my personal adoption journey as well as the history of that particular unwed mother’s home. Joining me were family, friends, individuals from the neighborhood, and those representing the last three ministries in the home — the Society of Friends (unwed mother’s home), the Christian Conference Center (adult, family and children’s ministries), and mostly recently, the program offering recently released incarcerated men and women opportunities to learn new skills for a purposeful, productive life. It was a priceless privilege and full circle moment I’ll hold in my heart forever.

Jan Lawson Schiffer