Our Adoption Story

“But if we WAIT expectantly for things we have never seen, then we HOPE with true perseverance and eager expectation.”  Romans 8:25

Over 10 years ago, adoption was planted as a seed in the hearts of both Jacob and I.  Newly married and not knowing the plans God had for us in regards to a family, we wondered if adoption would be woven into our family make up.  We quickly became pregnant with Cate.  God said WAIT.  After a miscarriage a couple years later, we welcomed Drew into our family.  We had started conversations about adopting our 3^rd child but those plans came to a halt when we became pregnant with Jane Ramsey!  God said WAIT.

A couple years after Jane Ramsey was born, we still felt that our family was not complete. I became pregnant again, but miscarried that child.  We were heart broken, angry, and confused.  But, we had 3 beautiful and healthy children.  We were blessed.  Our family was complete.  We didn’t think or pray about or talk about adoption after that miscarriage. Until….

Late February 2013, God pricked our hearts again about adoption.  We felt called to at least begin the process and trusted God to close the doors at any time if that was not His will.  We prayed and researched and prayed.  We initially thought we would adopt a newborn domestically but Jacob and I didn’t have peace about that.  WAIT.  So, we looked into international adoptions.  God lead us to China and confirmed in our hearts that this is where our next child was.  There are SO many orphans in China that are labeled “special needs," although some very minor.  And so many boys.  Plus, China only required one trip, the trip when you bring home your child.  That seemed to be the best fit for our family of 5.  So, we researched agencies and settled on Madison Adoption Agency who came highly recommended by those who are adopting special needs children from China.

Then the paper chase began….a lot of hurry up and WAIT.  From applications, home study paperwork and interviews, dossier paperwork, log in dates, referrals, letter of intention, letter of approval, travel approval and travel plans.  Each step was a milestone, a step closer in the WAITING process to bring home our child. 

As in pregnancy, in our adoption WAIT, we were HOPEFUL. We had HOPE that our paperwork would move along quickly.  We had HOPE and trust that God would reveal to us which child was ours.

In early January 2014, we received our first referral for a precious little boy.  But God said WAIT and we had HOPE.

Not too long after, in late January, we received a referral for a little boy named Tao Wen Li, an almost 4 year old little boy with a cleft lip and palate. We sought a local pediatrician who is also an International Adoption Specialist to review his medical file and we prayed.  We trusted God as we said YES and we were HOPEFUL and excited as he seemed like the perfect fit for our family. 

Once we said “yes” to Tao Wen Li, our Gabriel, I made a prayer calendar and we prayed and had family and dear friends pray as we WAITED to bring him home.  We prayed in HOPEFUL expectation.  We prayed in HOPE that the orphanage caregivers were preparing him to be adopted, showing him our pictures, and teaching him what a family was.  We prayed in HOPEFUL expectation that he would recognize us when we met for the first time. We prayed in HOPE that Gabe would attach to us quickly.  We prayed in HOPE that God would give us all love for each other when we came home.  We prayed in HOPE that God would surround us with a community of support through family, friends and others who had adopted.  We prayed a lot while we WAITED!  And God faithfully answered our prayers. 

On June 16 of this year, we met our 4^th child, our son, who God had known would be ours long, long, long before we had any idea we would even adopt.  Ten plus years ago when He first planted that seed in our hearts, God knew that a little boy in China would be our son.  God has been in every detail and every step along the way.  I wish that we had known Gabe sooner, in the first few years of his life.  I’m not sure why Gabe had to WAIT, why it took so long to get his paperwork in order to be available for adoption. But, I know that the timing worked out just perfectly for us to find each other. He truly is the perfect fit for our family. We love him!  

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord had granted me what I asked of him.” – Samuel 1:27

Playground progress

One month ago, Gabe was timid and unsure of himself when doing these activities at the playground!  Look at him now…so confident!  What a difference.

4 months!

I had such great intentions of keeping up with my blog!  Then summer and the start of the school year happened with 4 kiddos! Highlights include spending time with family and friends, pool days, Cate getting her ears pierced and turning 10, Jane Ramsey starting Kindergarten and losing her 1st tooth, superhero day at school which Drew loved,  Gabe's 1st trip to the beach and a weekend trip to Atlanta.

We celebrated our 4 month Family Day with Gabe on the 16th.  As I look back at the pictures from that day and our first month home, he has changed so much already.  He's almost 2 whole inches taller to start!!  He's still a happy and fun loving child.  He LOVES the color yellow which may be because that is the only color he can remember or recognize:)  He LOVES to talk.  We can understand much more of what he says now but still so much is unclear (starting speech soon). He can comprehend A LOT of English.  He LOVES to entertain and be the center of attention.  He is a VERY slow eater. He LOVES rice and sweets (which we have to limit because he has 7 cavities).  He LOVES the plasma car and scooter.  He LOVES story time at the library and the child care at the Y.  He is somewhat of a celebrity at the elementary school.  The secretary even made him his own name tag!  He LOVES Spiderman and is dressing as Spiderman for Halloween. I anticipate him being beside himself with excitement when he realizes he can go door to door getting candy on Halloween!  He argues with me now, clearly expresses what he likes and doesn't like, and even bosses his siblings around. He doesn't hesitate to say "No" either. He fits right in!  But, he does LOVE his family, even Rocket!  

One tired mama...

I've been meaning to blog for awhile but haven't had the time or energy.  I hope to soon but until then, I was encouraged but this today…

Lamentations 3:22-23 ~”Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”