It was in July 2006 when I met my wife Elizabeth. Our first date was a six-hour hike, and I loved how easy conversation came. The thing I remember most though was a conversation we had about adoption. She said that she had always had it on her heart to adopt and that marrying someone that felt the same way was very important. Because of my missionary background, I embraced diversity and was also totally open to adoption. I had a strong desire to help others. It all fit! We fit! So, 9 months later, we said “I do”!
Fast forward to 2015…and 3 kiddos later. We were living in Washington state on a 5 acre parcel of land in a log home. It was beautiful, and we were so content.
One evening, over a sink full of soapy dishes, the topic of adoption came up. We had discussed it thoroughly 3 years prior, but my wife became pregnant with our third, so the topic got shelved. Now it was resurfacing. My wife’s heart was still leaning in that direction, and to be honest, I was not sure at that point. We chatted a bit more, but before bed that night, we had a peace about the fact that we were happy with 3, and that if adoption was in our future, it would have to be God’s design and plan. We were not going to seek it.
God’s Plan is Way Better Than Ours
Well, six months later, we were presented with an opportunity to pray for children that were seeking forever homes. These children were from different parts of the globe, but all had a special need of some kind. As my wife scrolled through the photos and prayed over these children one day, she heard God say “This is your daughter.” As she told me the story and shared the pictures and video with me, I felt a peace that this was God calling us to adoption. Wow…God works fast!
We set things in motion, and not once did I have a second thought. My only concern was provision, but that is always my thought and concern. Then, I remember how God has always come through for us, and my thoughts settle. There was so much to do in order to bring our girl home; more than I ever expected. But, we pushed on because our little China princess needed serious heart surgery. We were fighting for her already!
There were fundraisers, a very thorough home study, and SO. MUCH. PAPERWORK. More than we ever anticipated. Finally, though, 11 months after we started the process, my wife boarded a plane to China to go get our girl. We decided that with our unique family situation, I should stay home and be with our other 3 kiddos while mom was away. (Now that is another whole blog post) It was a huge process for them as well, and this fact did not get swept under the rug. I did my best to embrace them and keep them posted on the “gotcha trip” while my wife was away. It was a tender time. It was a hard time. It was full of hopeful expectation!
Shiloh at the airport.
