Adoption Story: Ian and Alyssa

Ian and Alyssa had a whirlwind adoption. But it didn't come without months and months of planning, completing their home study, and working diligently to fundraise. Then came the waiting as they presented their profile. Six months of presenting and saying yes to situations, praying every night as a family for a baby brother or sister to join the family. Then a call about a baby born that changed everything...

Our situation was a "stork drop," which is a little more unique, and also required us to be flexible and trust God's plan. If anything, it gave God even more of an opportunity to show just how in control He is. We got a call at 9:30pm stating that there was a baby ready for us in Florida, and in less than 24 hours, we were in a hotel lobby with the adoption agency, meeting our baby boy for the first time. From airplane tickets to Airbnb's, God brought it all together. It was a special opportunity for us as a family to all travel together and meet our new family member for the first time.

It was all such a shock and a whirlwind that I think we are all still processing and reflecting. It's been beautiful to see how God has been in all of the details of our family's story - of our baby's story. I am so glad we trusted God and took this leap of faith despite the many challenges we faced along the way. The rainbow has been a wonderful reminder for us on this journey. God always fulfills his promises.

Our biggest encouragement to other hopeful adoptive parents on this journey is to BE FLEXIBLE!! As humans, it is in our nature to want to be in control and have a well-thought-out plan for every little thing. Our adoption journey has certainly stretched us in this area. We really had to "let go and let God," and it was amazing to see Him in all the details once we were willing to do that.

Once you take that first step, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and want to give up. Something we had to constantly remind ourselves was that if God has truly called us to adoption, He will make a way. There are so many little pieces that have to come together for adoption to happen. There is no way that all of the pieces come together without a loving and sovereign God who is in charge of it all.

We are thankful for the support from Susan and Christian Adoption Consultants on this journey! There are so many odds and ends that can seem overwhelming. It helped tremendously to have someone to hold our hand throughout this journey.