Our New Addition

 Chris and I have felt the call to adopt for years. We started the process several times and God continually shut the door. That's when we started coming alongside families who did adopt. It was bizarre how family after family entered our lives with an adoption story of their own and a need our family could help fulfil. Shortly after getting our feet wet with trauma care, we decided to get our license to foster. We really didn't know what God had planned but we were putting our "yes" on the table. Since we had 3 biological kids, however, we did have preferences and thought we had an idea of what would work best for our family. Respectfully, we were told by the agency that they NEVER get one child in our age range. We were at peace with the fact that we may never be called upon to help in a fostering capacity since the agency seemingly only needed homes for large sibling groups. 

However, one summer, we got a call from our placement specialist who told us about a respite opportunity for a local couple who was fostering a girl in our age range. We said we would love to provide respite for them and soon realised she would be a good fit for our family. Shortly after, we provided a shorter respite, and then a 3rd, as she went with us on a beach vacation. Meanwhile, her plan had recently moved from reunification to adoption and the couple that had her were interested in fostering only. That summer, she became our full time foster placement. We enrolled her in preschool, celebrated her 5th birthday, and had our first Christmas as a family of 6. As predicted, shortly after the new year, parental rights were terminated by the courts. 4 months later all contact was ordered to cease and unfortunately, her mom passed away shortly thereafter. It was one difficult tragedy after the next for her little mind and heart to process. 

In October of 2023, Madi became an official member of our family. 

Madi is an outstanding kid. She has a positive energy about her. She is smart beyond her years and has a kind heart. She is funny and her voice is absolutely adorable. She has so many gifts and unique qualities. I pray she uses them to bless those around her and channel all that she is to bring others to know Jesus. I pray as we navigate all the complexities of adoption, that we do right by her always. Above all, I pray she knows she is deeply loved and cherished forever and ever amen.