I haven't met a hopeful adoptive family yet that assumes the road to adoption will be an easy one. But often, families have a hard time knowing just how their personal story to grow their family will be written. Nate and Erin had no idea what God had for them in the years they pursued adoption, but there's no doubt His plan was good from the start. Read more as Erin shares their incredible story!
Since childhood, we both knew adoption would one day be part of our story. Growing up with adopted relatives gave us a firsthand understanding of the beauty, significance, and lifelong impact of adoption. It opened our hearts early on to the idea that family is built not just by biology, but by love, commitment, and calling. Early in our relationship, we found that we shared this desire, talking often about how adoption would someday be part of how we grew our family. It wasn’t just a passing thought; it was something the Lord had planted deep within both of us.
After welcoming our two wonderful boys and settling into life as a family of four, we began to sense the Lord stirring our hearts again, reminding us of that long-held dream. The desire didn’t fade; it grew stronger. We felt Him gently nudging us, opening the door, and calling us to step out in faith. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but one covered in prayer, conversation, and trust.
Adoption has always been more than just an option to us—it’s a reflection of the Gospel, of being chosen and deeply loved. We believe in the sacredness of this calling and the honor of being part of a child’s story in this way. So, when the time came, we stepped forward with open hands and hopeful hearts, ready to walk the road God had prepared for us.
We first heard about adoption consultants from a friend and were immediately intrigued. In 2022, we connected with Christian Adoption Consultants and had an introductory call with Susan. From the very beginning, we knew she was the perfect fit for us. Susan made what could have been an overwhelming process feel manageable and filled with hope. She was incredibly knowledgeable, always patient with our questions, and consistently available to offer guidance. Her steady encouragement, thoughtful prayers, and genuine care gave us so much peace and confidence every step of the way. We truly can’t imagine walking this journey without her, and we’re endlessly grateful for the heart, wisdom, and support she poured into our adoption story.
Our adoption journey was long and difficult, marked by years of waiting, failed adoptions, and even a fraud case. At times, we questioned if we should keep going, but each time we cried out, the Lord reminded us to trust Him and His timing. Though it wasn’t easy and we wondered if it would ever happen for us, we held onto faith, believing He was always at work even when we couldn't see it. We clung to the truth that He had called us to this and would bring it to pass. A quote Susan shared with us by Elisabeth Elliot stood out to us along our journey: “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” Despite fear and uncertainty, we chose to keep trusting the Lord every step of the way.
When we presented to our now daughter’s birth mom, we felt a deep peace and were sure she was meant to be ours. When she chose us, that peace only grew. But after arriving and waiting to go to the hospital, we were told we wouldn’t be adopting the baby. We were heartbroken and confused, doubting what we had heard from the Lord. The drive home was painful, and we paused our adoption to heal and pray. One of us felt God saying no new situations would come, while the other felt we were close and just needed to trust His timing. Though it seemed conflicting, we chose to move forward and trust God’s direction. Then, just a week after making that decision—and a month after returning home—we got a call: our case worker told us that the birth mom asked if we were still willing to adopt her daughter. We were stunned. What we thought was a closed door, God reopened. We said yes, and days later, we were on a plane to meet her.
Meeting our daughter for the first time was absolutely surreal—an unforgettable moment where time seemed to stand still. We instantly fell in love. She was perfect in every way—tiny, beautiful, and full of life—a little ray of sunshine that lit up our world. Holding her in our arms for the first time brought tears of joy and overwhelming gratitude. In that sacred moment, every hardship, every unanswered question, every year of waiting melted away. It all made sense.
The Lord had been so faithful, gently and purposefully weaving together each part of our story to lead us to her. She is more than we ever dreamed of—full of joy, wonder, and a sweetness that fills our home with light. Watching her grow, hearing her laugh, and simply being near her is one of life’s greatest privileges. We are constantly in awe of the gift she is to us. Our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness to the Lord for choosing us to be her parents. She is a daily reminder of His goodness, His perfect timing, and His ability to turn waiting into beauty. She’s not just the perfect addition to our family—she is a miracle, a blessing, and a treasure beyond words.
Our daughter comes from a strong, brave woman who made one of the most selfless and loving decisions a mother can make. She entrusted us with the incredible gift of raising her daughter, and we are deeply grateful she chose us to be her forever family. Her courage, love, and strength are forever woven into our daughter’s story, and we will always honor that. She will always have a special place in our hearts and in our home—she is part of our family. We cherish her, not only for the choice she made but for the beautiful person she is. Her love gave our daughter life, and her decision gave us the greatest blessing we could ever receive. We are committed to making sure our daughter grows up knowing how deeply she is loved by her birth mom and how her story began with immense bravery and love.
The journey to our daughter was nothing like we expected, but we wouldn’t change a thing. The Lord orchestrated it so beautifully—far beyond what we could have imagined—growing us individually, strengthening our marriage, and deepening our faith as a family. Adoption isn’t easy; it’s filled with unknowns, waiting, and moments of surrender. But through every high and low, we’ve seen how God’s love and grace sustain and shape us. He used this journey to refine our hearts, to teach us trust on a deeper level, and to remind us that His plans are always good—even when they look different from our own.
Adoption has forever changed us. It has expanded our understanding of love, of sacrifice, and of what it means to be family. It’s taught us to hold space for both joy and grief, and to embrace the beauty of redemption woven through brokenness.
God continues to write the story of our lives with care and purpose, and we know that our precious daughter is one of the most beautiful chapters—a gift beyond anything we could have hoped for. She is a living reminder of His faithfulness, and we are honored to be her parents.
I love that Nate and Erin wanted to end their story with verses they clung to during their adoption journey and prayers that they would encourage others.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:4-7
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. -Proverbs16:1
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. -Romans 12:12
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! -Psalm 27:14
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. -Psalm 37:4-5
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