the where

Since going “public” with our news there has been nothing but a barrage of questions to answer. I suppose many are asked out of concern, love, support, bewilderment, misconception, and maybe, just maybe, to fill the void of the ol’ awkward-pause–jaw-dropped–huh!? moment.

Granted, there are those who frankly don’t care to ask or inquire more and aren’t even in the least bit interested. I understand, it’s easier to talk about something that doesn’t hold you responsible. Knowledge equals responsibility; when comfort zones are compromised a wall goes up and people start to wig out. (i almost guarantee this post will have hundreds of hits with little to no comments/shares. it's uncomfortable.) Ignorance truly is bliss, I’ll be the first to admit. But just so we are clear, you don’t have to adopt to make a difference. I know adoption itself is not for everyone… but everyone, speaking to those who call themselves Christian - scratch that - those who allow Jesus to fully take control of their lives through walking in obedience to the word of God, should be on the frontlines of rescuing the fatherless, be it through prayer, support/encouragement, practical service, financial help, etc.

That said, questions are a good good thing. You care. Thanks!

So, a couple whys answered...

Why are we adopting?

1) Because it’s a mirror image of the gospel. If we who are believers are called sons and daughters of God… through our identity, our inheritance, and our mission, then wouldn’t it make sense that we reciprocate the unconditional love we are freely given as a response of thanks?

2) Because we are blessed! God has gifted us with resources: a home, a loving family, willing hearts- all of which are FROM Him and FOR Him to point people TO Him.

3) We are called to. Simple as that. Obedience. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27). There is NO religion, but this!

Why did we choose the international route?

Without fully getting into the ‘how’ we chose international adoption, let me say, initially I would have rather gone the cheapest route – foster care. I would have rather stayed Domestic – to help our own. But God always seems to have his own reasons/plans/ideas up His sleeve. Apparently, it's GO BIG with Him. Bigger than us, no doubt.

The minute our desire to adopt was communicated, we acted. We concurred that if not now, than never. We agreed to step out in faith and let God work out the timing even if he closes us down completely… at least we moved. And because Down Syndrome was something we both specifically felt lead to, we instantly began investigating the options and the process. Through Google search we stumbled upon a website exclusively for orphans with Down syndrome. Except it was international, so I never gave it a second look. I later typed in “Down syndrome adoption blogs.” And that is when He spoke. Truth was revealed. The images. The words. The pangs of emotion that night - I couldn’t stop crying (not like tearing up crying, rather, wailing and lamenting to God “WHY?!”) I continued scanning the nauseating photos. Then, repulsed and aching I ran to Adam’s arms. He held me close and declared, ”We are going to do something! We will do something.”

Some of what I saw…

I mentioned in a previous post concerning the orphans of Eastern Europe living in filthy understaffed orphanages… noting that it’s completely inexcusable the way these little ones are treated – lying in their own waste, tied to their cribs, given only liquids for food, with no medical attention.



Thousands wait needing only one thing... a family to call their own. If not chosen they lay day after day looking for ways to self soothe through rocking, biting, or banging their heads on the bars. There is no hope for these children all because they are viewed as “defective.” There is no place for them in society other than the cages they are locked in for the rest of their lives.

If a family has not found them by the age of four they will be transferred to adult mental asylums, where they become a lost cause, forgotten. Most die within their first year of transferring.

Can you imagine your baby being treated as such?

The only chance these little ones have for life outside these horrible institutions is ADOPTION. If that doesn’t answer the question, know this: IT'S A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. And we choose life!

Why Eastern Europe?

Out of the hundreds needing a family, she was chosen. (More on that to come.)


I only hope you are repulsed by these images as much as I was. I pray compassion moves you too.
Remember, you don't have to adopt to make a difference. Please don't just sit there, or look away."Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." Prov. 24:12

*Ellie can use some prayer warriors.
*Also, if you happened to open this post on facebook, could you please share by reposting. Help me spread the word. God only knows who might be moved... to save a life.


Check out this super sweet video for more of what we are up to: (get your tissue ready...)