March 2012, I stepped onto my first flight to Uganda unaware of how I’d be changed and grow, and fall in love.

June 2017, I walk into a courthouse and I leave responsible for a 6 year old little boy who barely speaks English, but says the most profound things I’ve ever heard. I’m both overwhelmed and overjoyed. He becomes my shadow— in ministry, in the kitchen and in life.

February 2020, we walk into a courthouse and walk out with the devastating news that our adoption will not be approved yet. Life is upside down for a while but he’s my whole world and I am his, so I’ll stay forever. I planted roots and learned to flourish.

September 2020, I walk with my hand gripped in hers. This little girl from a children’s home that has stolen my heart. Here I am again holding paperwork while watching her sleep in the backseat of my car.

October 2020, I walk into a friend’s party balancing my daughter on one hip while a handsome man catches my eye. Before long it’s text messages, coffee dates and card games every Sunday together with the kids. I wonder where he has been my whole life.

January 2024, I’m walking down the aisle and suddenly the devastation of our failed adoption in 2020 was worth it- in this space of time I found my groom and our flower girl.

March 2024, I walk into a musty hotel exactly 12 years to the date that I stepped onto that plane. I’m a completely different person. I stand nervous and eager in front of a panel of those who hold our future in their hands. Grateful for those who began the adoption journey for our children.

We want forever with our children. To continue serving the Lord, seeing the world together and finding ourselves in white winters, among family and long distance friends.

Our story is one only God could write, His faithfulness evident. Today, we ask you to hold hands with us. Join us walking into adoption for our beautiful children. I can only imagine walking back onto that plane in a year or two, no longer alone, but with my family’s hands in mine.