If you want to learn from adoptive parents who will teach you with humility and honesty, leave you feeling more encouraged, and point you to Jesus, look no further than Whitney and Chelsea. This precious couple has adopted three times and they have so much wisdom to share. I feel blessed to have walked alongside them during two of their adoption journeys and continue to learn from their faith. Their most recent adoption journey to their daughter wasn't easy, but as He always does, the Lord poured out His grace and His presence. Even when they walked through the challenge of an expectant mama they were matched with deciding to parent, they loved well and looked to the Lord with trust. I'm thankful that Whitney and Chelsea agreed to answer a few questions in this space. I hope you enjoy our little Q+A!
As you look back on your most recent adoption and specifically the Lord's care, what comes to mind?
This adoption took 2 and a half years plus. It was long, it was difficult, there was a failed adoption, money lost, hearts aching. But God was always near, He was always leading us, always steadying us, giving us faith to keep going, keep trusting. We believe He called us to do it, and we know He equipped us for it. He grew our faith in a great way by showing us He can be trusted at all times, and we never regret trusting him. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6
As you walked through adoption loss during this adoption, what truths did you cling to?
God is sovereign and He can be trusted. If He is in control of all things, working for my highest good; we can trust His good hand even when we do not know why or how or when.
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8: 32 He gives us His very best for us at all times, drawing us more near to Him and giving us more of Him-the greatest gift He can give.
We can trust Him when we don't see. We asked God for faith to trust Him completely in this hard time.
Habakkuk 3: 17-19 " Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places."
My heart also sang the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" daily. Over and over I sang it. He has always been faithful, throughout eternity. I know it full well.
What did you appreciate about working with Katie?
This is our second adoption using Katie as our consultant. Katie has been such a great partner in the adoption process. People often ask us if a consultant is with the extra fee, or if they could just apply to specific agencies. Hands down I tell them it is the most fruitful help we have received in any of our 3 adoptions. Katie is in our corner, she is on our team, she is for us. She has provided counsel, encouragement, prayer upon prayer. She was able to help us think well about adoption birth mother situations, how to proceed during a failed adoption. She grieved with us during that loss, rejoiced with us when we rejoiced. Even after our adoption was complete, she connected us with therapists who could help us! She just really loves her adoption families. We consider her part in our adoptions so valuable and would trust her again anytime.
What would you tell someone who is fearful about meeting their child's birth parent(s)?
God has grown our hearts over the last several years for birth family as we have walked through adopting our 3 children. At first it seems scary, there are other parents that love this child, what if the child loves them more? How can we share the responsibility of loving this child? But God has moved in our hearts and put great love for birth family there. It is an honor to know and love their family. We are so grateful for the love and care our children's birth family have for them, and know the true blessing of that for each child. Adoption plans are made with love for the child. They are considering the child's greatest good, like our heavenly Father does for us.
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For more information about domestic infant adoption, reach out to me. I'd love to help!
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