In September of 2006, hubby and I walked into our first adoption introductory meeting at Children’s Home Society in St Paul, MN. It was for families that were interested in adoption and wanted to learn more about it. We met four wonderful couples at that meeting.
At that time we had five birth children, ranging in age from 12 to 22. We had been gone through a rough patch and we were just seeing the light of day. Well the truth is, it was a bit more than a rough patch… we had been completely broken and God was in the process of picking us up off of the floor and piecing us back together – the way He wanted us. Our faith was strong and vibrant and we felt He was nudging us toward adoption. Our hope – our plan – was to adopt two healthy girls.
After gathering information on international adoption programs, we felt God guiding us towards China. Just as we were about to enter the world of home studies, dossiers, DTCs and TAs, the China program began to move in slower-than-slow motion. Six months earlier families had been getting referrals within a few months and traveling to bring home their child within 18 months (which at that time sounded too long). We were told that if we decided to go the non-special needs route it may take up to three years. That bit of information proved to be inaccurate because it actually would have taken us seven years to get a child.
Hubby and I were 47 and 49 at the time and we felt like we didn’t have three years to wait. Who knows where we would be in three years and what would change? God was calling us now, not in three years! On top of that I felt led to the special needs program. Not knowing if hubby would be open to it, I waited and prayed. When we sat down to talk about it I mentioned the special needs program. We had already been blessed with five healthy children and I was at the time, an unemployed nurse – what a perfect fit. Much to my surprise he was immediately on board!
So we put our trust in God and stepped out in faith!
Best decision we’ve ever made!
In July 2007 we meet our daughter Anna in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province!
Best decision we’ve ever made! So thankful we stepped out in faith and adopted a precious little child with special needs!
On November 2008 our older daughter Katie and I met our new daughter and sister, Sarah in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.
Best decision we’ve ever made! So thankful God encouraged us to adopt an older child!
In July 2010 we met our daughters Emma and Ellie (bio siblings) in Nanning, Guangxi Province.
Best decision we’ve ever made! So thankful we moved forward with this adoption – even though their files had inaccurate information.
Our time in China with our two new daughters was tough and we prayed about disrupting the adoption. We felt God saying to us, “Get the girls home and then decide.”
Best decision we’ve ever made! They are home, happy and safe! Once again, the best decision we’ve ever made! So thankful we did not disrupt the adoption in China. Thankful we did not miss the opportunity to allow God to do what we said we couldn’t do.
In February 2011 we meet our children Ava and Sam in Zhenzhou, Henan Province. Each child had a special need that seemed daunting at the time. We moved forward trusting God.
Best decision we’ve ever made! Their special needs are completely manageable and one was surgically corrected forever!
In November 2011 we met our children Abby and Luke. If we thought the last two had challenging special needs, we now topped that – one was critically ill and the other one had a story that only God could have orchestrated! We were aware that both children may not live long.
Best decision we’ve ever made! They both are thriving and have a great life expectancy! Either way, they were our children and we are so happy they are home!
In January 2013 we met our children Mia, Melissa and Madeline. Mia had spent eleven years in an awful orphanage and she was not prepared to be adopted. She did not like us and our time in China was very challenging. We questioned if we did the right thing.
Best decision we have ever made! All three girls have adjusted to large family life and they love being loved!
In November 2013, hubby and our older son Mark went to China to meet our two sons. One of the boys had been severely mistreated and did not understand what a family was and why he needed one.
Best decision we have ever made! They are both doing so well and love being part of a family!
In December 2015, a 10 year old girl joined our family!
Best decision we have ever made! She is blossoming and she is so happy!
You see children are never a mistake. The big house, the new car, the fine jewelry and the fancy vacations may be a mistake but children are never a mistake.
They are the best decision we have ever made! Thank you God!
Oh, and the four families we met in the beginning of this post? They made the best decision they’ve ever made, too! They each have an amazing adopted child!
They are all so beautiful…Adopting our little girl has been the best decision we ever made too. 🙂
You make the best decisions with Gods help 🙂 My friend I am amazed daily with your grace and love for the orphans….Your amazing !!
Yes! Children are never a mistake!
If all goes the way God wants can We will be two grandsons from China in early Fall. Can’t wait for numbers 10 and 11 grandchild. God is so good.
DEAR JEANNE; DIOS LOS SIGA BENDICIENDO EN ESTE LARGO CAMINO DE LA ADOPCION, DIOS NO SE EQUIVOCA, Y EL MANEJA TODOS LOS TIEMPOS, RECUERDE QUE NUESTROS TIEMPOS NO SON LOS NUESTROS. CON MI ESPOSO ESTAMOS CASADOS HACE 38 AÑOS, TENGO 56 Y EL 60 AÑOS, FUIMOS BENDECIDOS CON 9 HIJOS BIOLOGICOS Y HOY TENEMOS 5 NIETOS Y UNA NUEVA NIETA PARA EL MES DE JULIO, HACE 7 AÑOS EMPEZAMOS CON LA ADOPCION DE NIÑOS CON NECESIDADES ESPECIALES, POR EL MOMENTO TENEMOS 4 , 2 NENAS Y 2 VARONES, Y ESPERAMOS EN EL SEÑOR PARA QUE NOS ENVIE MAS NIÑOS PARA CUIDAR, AMAR, DARLE TODO EL AMOR DE UNA FAMILIA, EL CUAL SE LE FUE NEGADO DESDE EL PRINCIPIO DE SUS VIDAS. RECIBA UN FUERTE ABRAZO DESDE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA.
I was happy to run across this article on FB. I have been following your blog for a couple years. We have 3 adopted from China. I am 50 and my husband is 44. I love hearing about older parent adoptions. I have often wondered how you make it all work with a big family. How do you get all of the laundry done and food on the table 3x every day ? 🙂 I am so enthralled by your family and feel like I “know” you even though we have never met. You are an inspiration !
What a blessing your story is. We’re just starting on the journey to adopt our Second from China. …the first special needs. What a wonderful example you are. The Lord knew I needed to hear your story. …that at first it appears daunting, but with the Lord’s help, it works out. Thanks for sharing! !!