Next Chapter of our Adoption Story
Many of you who are reading this may already be familiar with our unusual journey. For those who are not, our adoption story started about 3 years ago. Luke and I (Ashley) had desired to adopt for a long time; we were so excited when we finally were in a position where we could start the process. After some research, we found out that Bulgaria was one of the few countries that would perhaps accept us, even with my blindness. We were told by our agency that we would have to wait probably a month or more to find out if Bulgaria would be willing to work with us. Well, we got a call the very next day about a little blind girl named Lexy! They felt, due to my blindness, that we would be especially equipped for her.
Lexy is where it all started with us; she came home in December 2015. She is now a chatty, adventurous little girl who climbs everything (partly why we got her in a gymnastics class), and yet loves to wear pretty dresses. It wasn't long after Lexy came home that we started the second chapter of our adoption story. A wonderful friend sent us the profile of a little boy, also in Bulgaria, who was blind and had mild cerebral palsy. So we stepped out in faith again and our son Jon came home in September of 2017. He turned 9 recently and we have seen him thrive in just the few months he has been here. He has gone from not being able to stand or walk by himself, to walking with more confidence each day, running down the hallway of our home and jumping unsupported. He has literally perfect pitch and is enjoying having his own piano and taking lessons. He is “happy in America”, as he says.
So now we come to the new chapter. I have to admit, when we decided we wanted to adopt again, we were wondering what God was going to do to affect our story. Our family is quite unique, in that Luke is the only sighted member of our family. Well, that is going to change soon, Lord willing. Where does our adoption story go from here? Apparently, with twins!
Yes, we were contacted by our agency about twin 3 year old girls. They are from, you guessed it, Bulgaria. One sister is sighted and seems to be doing fairly well. She enjoys playing on the playground and seems very engaged in her surroundings. The other sister is blind and is struggling in a lot of areas. She is not yet speaking or walking and is very withdrawn emotionally. Just like Lexy and Jon, these beautiful girls deserve a family where they can thrive, grown and learn who God created them to be. Please, help us bring them home so they can join in the tapestry of our family! I know the cost of accomplishing this is staggering, believe me, it is for us too. But if everyone who reads our story were to give even $10 or $20, it would amount to more than you realize. We have some savings and are more than willing to give all we have toward bringing these girls home, but even if we were to empty our savings, it would not be enough. We need your help! These girls need your help. Thank you all for joining us yet again as we turn another adoption page.