From my first conversation with Brian & Elizabeth it was clear their hearts were wide open for adoption. They walked into this process hopeful to grow from a family of 5 to 6. Throughout the entire time, they were open handed and open hearted to each situation they prayed over. Brian & Elizabeth were always willing to step into the vulnerable spaces to love and support these expecting mothers and their children. It was a joy to be to witness their family’s journey through adoption.

Right from the beginning it was clear that Cassie and Jordan were all in towards their adoption journey. They were thoughtful and intentional about each question they asked, took initiative to learn, making sure they were as educated as possible about adoption, and truly had a special place in their hearts for birth families. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Cassie & Jordan. It has been a true privilege to pray for them and to serve them during one of the most vulnerable and special times in their lives.

Adoption is beautiful, but it is also rooted in loss. Which in turn makes it complicated. There is a lot of sorrow and valleys in the process, for each member of the adoption triad. Cassie and Jordan always held space for this. They were genuine and compassionate towards each situation they prayed over and presented to.

God’s sovereignty prevailed to grow their family through adoption and to see them open up their hearts and home to Henry and his birth family.

Charlotte & Blake share a reflection on their adoption experience. “When I think about him during our period of waiting, he was there, growing strong inside of his birth mother. With every "not yet" or time of silence, he was there. And He was there as well. If I could give someone in the middle some advice it would be to let yourself feel all the feelings on the rollercoaster that is infertility and adoption, but don't let it consume you. There is so much goodness in the middle, even if you don't quite see it until it's behind you.”

When life knocks you down and it feels unbearable to get up again God is still with you. A reflection on the parable of, The Calming of the Storm at Sea, where we see how Jesus is with us even in the darkest moments.

Emmanuel: God with us. Throughout struggles in our lives it can be incredibly hard to remember that God truly is with us throughout the highs and the lows. He remains there for us always.

God remained with us throughout the adoption of our daughter, even when it was hard to see him at the time.

From the first time I spoke with Lance and Anne - Marie it was clear that they had a heart for adoption. Every conversation with them was filled with compassion and love. They spoke and acted in a way that embodies how to love and serve well through adoption. The values of laughter, friendship, honesty, communication, faith, and family shone through everything they did in the adoption process. What stood out to me the most however, was the way in which they loved and respected their son’s birth family.

The dangers of the "savior complex" in adoption

Over at CAC we have been examining why it matters HOW we talk about adoption and the adoption triad. We pray the educational resources we have provided you have been helpful! How we talk about adoption is directly connected to our thoughts about it. Today CAC Adoption Consultant Samantha @pryor.samantha examines the dangers of the "savior complex" in adoption and how that mentality can be detrimental to the adoption triad.

Brian & Bethany’s adoption stories are incredible examples of how God’s goodness and love remains with us through both the easy and challenging times. A whirlwind of events, trust, and continued perseverance led them to experience His mercy and abounding care. Here they share their adoption journey and how ultimately He constructed beauty from brokenness. 

It is natural to feel the disappointment and heartache when life does not unfold the way we have dreamt, but our hope in Christ and his goodness remains.

My husband, Michael, vulnerably shares his path to fatherhood and how God has shifted his priorities along the way.

Waiting is a part of life. It comes in many different forms, but the wait during the adoption process weighs differently on our hearts.

So often it is hard to discern our will from His. What are some ways we can pause to really understand God’s plan for our lives.

I never pictured myself becoming an adoption consultant, but I am yet again surprised by the Lord’s design for my life.