Category: Our Adoption Journey

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Happy Birthday Ben

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights…James 1:17

Happy Birthday Ben!

Today, you are one year old, and we are so thankful for you.

On this day, one year ago, you came into this world. I wish we knew more and had more to share of that day. We don’t. What we do know is on that same day, 8,000 miles away, we received approval from the Central Adoption Resource Authority to adopt a child from India, and we took one step closer to you.

Three weeks later, on March 15, 2019 you entered the care of your SAA where you have been for the past 11 months. We are so thankful for the way they have cared for you and loved you.

Five months later, on August 2nd, you came into our lives. We saw your name, we saw your picture, we saw you. A few days later, we said yes, and in our hearts, you became our son.

On November 27th, court began to determine what we already knew in our hearts. You were our son. On January 23, 2020. It became official. You were part of our family.

One year, from the day you were born, we are waiting and celebrating. Your room and bed are ready and so are your bothers. I have no doubt that you are loved in India, but you have more love than I can comprehend waiting for you here from family and friends who have linked arms to bring you home and wait with anxious excitement. 

Our hearts ache not to be with you today. We mourn the brokenness and pain that began this process. We wish we had more of your story to share. But, your story is just beginning. We love you. We are thankful to be a part of your story. We can’t wait to meet you and move forward to the next chapter. 

Happy Birthday Ben!

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Adoption Update #2

It’s been a crazy couple of months since the last post in July. Let me catch you up…

From July to September we completed what is called the home study process. It’s called a home study, but everything get’s studied. We gave family histories, took medical tests, made a visit to a psychologist, watched videos, read books, and completed paperwork.

The home study had two main purposes. First of all, it is used to assess whether we are fit to bring a special needs child into our home. Secondly, the process is used to educate potential parents on the special considerations of adopting a child internationally.

The process was stressful, exciting and confusing, but we made it, and our home study is complete!

Roughly four weeks ago, our completed home study was uploaded to an organization called CARA. CARA is the          Central Adoption Resource Authority. Essentially, it is the governing body that oversees the adoption process in India. 

So, we are now playing the waiting game. We are praying for approval from CARA, which could take a few weeks, to a few months. Once we receive approval from CARA, our next step is being matched with a child. Let me just say, it’s starting to feel real.

Even after matching with a child, there are several significant steps to take, but  as of now, that’s where we stand.

We covet your prayers as we await approval from CARA. We cannot wait to see what God will do through this process and look forward to sharing with you soon.

Thanks for the love and support!!

Jonathan, Shannon, Cole and Luke

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Our Adoption Story: Part One

We’re adopting! It’s a journey that’s been years in the making, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be walking down this road together.

Shannon and I knew having biological children might not be a possibility for us, so the seed of adoption was first planted during our dating years.  But, after three years of marriage we were blessed with a beautiful, red-headed boy. God was faithful.

After a couple years of parenthood, we decided it was time for our family to grow. And it did. Three times! Sadly, each of those pregnancies ended in miscarriage. It was terrible. But, in the midst, God was faithful and we grew in our walk with Him and each other.

In 2016 we welcomed little Luke into our family, all 3 pounds of him. He was a miracle and a fighter. After a month in the NICU He came home and has been thriving ever since.

At the beginning of the year Shannon and I began praying about adoption. While we’ve had friends walk this path, but we honestly had not idea where to start.  We spent a couple of months praying and decided to take steps our next step after I finished a weekend retreat with the youth group.

As I spoke with the retreat worship leader that first night, who I knew had adopted, I learned that his wife worked with Lifeline Adoption. Before the weekend was over, I had information hand-delivered that outlined our next steps. God is faithful!!

The process is long. It seems like there are a thousand steps to take. But each step of the way God has been faithful. Thanks for reading our story. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks for your support. I can’t wait to update you on all that God has done and is doing. 

Want to be a part of the story? We are currently fundraising to cover adoption costs. Check out our adoption shirts HERE.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God–1 John 3:1