Rob and I started to seriously consider adoption in 2009, but it
seemed as if doors were being closed to us in every direction. We were
told that we could not adopt from China. Our ages disqualified us from
adopting from several countries, and at the time Korea was also not an option
for us. We were very discouraged, and gave up pursuing adoption for a
while.
In 2010, we felt adoption tugging on our hearts again, and after
listening to one of Pastor Rick’s “Just-Do-It” messages, we decided to step out
in faith and look into different adoption programs again. This time,
we were told that we could adopt a special needs child from Korea. I
wasn’t sure if that was the right thing for our family, so I decided to visit
my cousin who had recently adopted her son from China. Her son was
considered special needs due to his cleft lip and pallette. Over Labor Day
weekend, I flew to Indiana to visit her. The instant I met her son, Isaac,
I was in love. He was the cutest, sweetest boy I had ever seen! He truly
brought joy to his entire family. Alone in her guest room on September 6, 2010,
I wept as I told God that I would do whatever He wanted. I was open to any
child He would give me.
In October of 2010, Rob and I met with a social worker and we
officially started the adoption process. To our amazement, we were told
that the laws in Korea had changed and they had re-opened the standard process
to our agency. That meant we would most likely be matched to a healthy
baby boy! We started the arduous process of home studies, fingerprinting,
and filling out form after form after form...after form! Seven months
later we received the email we had been waiting for! We were matched to a
beautiful 8-month old baby boy! It was truly love at first sight! We
received 6 pictures and a general description of our son. The second we
saw him, we knew God picked him out just for us. But it was even more
confirmed when we saw his birthday--September 6, 2010! It was the same
day I told God I would do whatever He wanted!
Robert didn’t come home until he was 23 months old. It was so
difficult to wait for him for 14 months. But now he is a happy, healthy,
smart, beautiful 3 1/2 year old. He is our greatest joy and our greatest
gift.
Are you considering adoption but don't know how to get started? Join us the first Wednesday night of every month for Thinking About Adoption, or call us at 949-609-8555!
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