"Every study I've read and every anecdote I've heard from adopted kids points out that it's difficult to grow up being the only person of color in a sea of white. Yes, asking these questions before going into it is definitely a sign that you have the awareness to be a good mom to a child of color.

If you live in a majority white area, and all of your friends, family and work associates are white, you may in fact be doing the child a disservice. If that's the case, ask yourself how comfortable you are changing churches and going to a 'black' one, moving to a more diverse neighborhood, actively seeking out good black role models for your child. If you don't feel good being the only white person in a sea of black, imagine how a child would feel in the reversed situation. Are you willing to do the work that is required to teach a black child how to navigate the minefield of racism they'll encounter when they are no longer under your 'white' protection?

This blog is a great jumping off point if you want to learn more about transracial adoption. The author is Korean, adopted as an infant by white parents and is herself a social worker. From there you'll find lots of links to more information and other points of view besides hers.

Another valuable link is this blog, which is specifically geared toward parenting and race and is more focused (but certainly not exclusively) on black/white racial issues.

Being the white mom to a black child has opened my eyes to a lot of things that my white privilege previously allowed me to ignore. It has also opened the doors of the black community to me and my life is definitely richer because of it. If you are willing to put in the research and the work it is rewarding but don't choose this option because it seems easier, faster or cheaper."