On April 1, 2008 our family experienced the joy and privilege of adoption first hand. Our daughter didn’t arrive the natural way with hospitals, doctors, and labor pains. Instead, Emma entered into our family through foster homes, social workers, and long international flights.

However, the desire to adopt a child didn’t begin when we first started our paperwork. This was a dream and desire placed in both our hearts long before we were even married. I was a college student studying in Shanghai, China when I knew that one day I would adopt a child. Nicole’s desire to adopt began much earlier. Her older brother was adopted and she has always wanted to adopt a child as well.

Today we celebrate Emma’s “Gotcha Day.” She has been in our family for 5 years and it’s had to believe it’s ONLY been that long. It seems like we have raised her from birth. She (like her brothers) have brought much joy and pleasure to our family & are truly a gift from God.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. ~ James 1:27

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. ~ Isaiah 1:17