Matthew and I have been married for twelve years and we have two crazy amazing kids, Abigail, who is 11 years-old, and Elijah, who is 9 years-old.
Our desire to adopt does not come from a void in our hearts but from a longing to share our love and the love of Christ with another life; we also long to extend that same love to the birth mother of our future adopted child. We believe in the fierce bravery and deep love of a birth mom who chooses adoption for her baby, and we feel that adoption is the most practical and life-giving way to live out our pro-life beliefs.
Adoption has played a very personal role in both of our lives. As a teenager Matthew watched his sister choose adoption for her baby and I watched as my parents became legal guardians of two sisters in 2008, eventually adopting them in 2011. These experiences have opened our eyes and our hearts to the ways in which adoption can change lives and how we can be a part of that.
We have a huge, wonderful family and a loving support system. We are incredibly blessed to have my immediate family all live within 15 miles from us. Our family includes grandparents, great-grandparents, my mom and dad, two brothers and their families, two sisters and their families, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and their families! It’s a big bunch, and we couldn’t be more surrounded by love. My siblings are also thinking about adopting, and we look forward to offering each other and our adopted children the love and support we will need on this journey.
We will also receive the support of our broader community. Many people in our church have adopted children or are in the process of adopting; our church community shares our deep care for children who need homes and families.
Although Matthew and I have considered adoption for years, we lacked the faith to move forward because we could not raise the necessary funds on our own. Now, that story is changing. With the help of Adopt of a Love Story we can finally respond to the tug on our hearts to adopt – a desire that has only grown stronger with time. We believe that God directs us when we move forward, not while we are standing still. We are no longer standing still, and our passion for adoption is becoming a reality. We are thrilled to watch our adoption story unfold according to God’s perfect plan. Will you join us?
We believe in the fierce bravery and deep love of a birth mom who chooses adoption for her baby
Jessica
I was born and raised in a Christian home in beautiful West Michigan. I couldn’t have been more blessed. My mom and dad were always there for me and my two brothers were always there to pick on me! Most of my life was in the country and surrounded by animals! My dad and I shared a love for horses and my first job was as trail guide for a horse ranch when I was 14. When I was 18, I spent a year in Montana at a little Bible college in the Mountains. It was a beautiful experience in my life. In 2003, I married my best friend and we started our family right away. I spend most of my time now home-schooling our two kids and doing all the stuff a busy mom does! In the summer, we love heading out to Lake Michigan and driving up the coast to look at the lighthouses and check out the little fishing villages. I also have a passion for fitness and nutrition and have a stay at home business coaching others on their fitness journeys!
Matthew
I grew up in Maine in a single parent home. I lived in town along the coast which brought a natural love of seafood and the water! Although I grew up in town my entire childhood, I craved a life in the country. When I was a teen, I had the opportunity to serve in Belize on two mission’s trips. In 2001, I began a year long journey at His Mansion Ministries in New Hampshire. That is where God really got a hold of my life. In 2002, I moved to Michigan where I met my wife. We married 6 months later! Our first home together was an old farm house in the country. And I haven’t left the country since! I have been blessed to work at home. I love the extra family time and flexibility it gives me. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and hiking with the kids. I also love to work out. I have been blessed that God has used each step in my life to bring me where I am today.
Abigail
Abigail brings so much love and happiness to our home. She is sweet-spirited, and loves being helpful, and loves birds. If you want to know anything about birds, talk to Abigail. She loves reading and writing books of her own; Abigail had her first book published when she was 10 years old. Music is a big part of her life, and she learned to play the piano from her grandmother.
Elijah
When Elijah came into our lives, he brought smiles like you’ve never seen to our home. He was born happy, energetic, and full of life. Elijah loves playing outside, building outside, and helping his grandpa and papa with projects. He loves to laugh and to make others laugh, and loves playing with younger children and babies!
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