Adoption Story: Kris + Renee
It is an honor to share Kris and Renee’s adoption story with you. Kris and Renee adopted their son, Ethan, in 2013 with the help of CAC. I was elated to hear they were wanting to pursue a 2nd adoption with our assistance. The journey to their daughter, Rayna, was not easy, but they never gave up. I will never forget when they asked me if I wanted to stay on the phone while they told their children they were matched. It was such a special moment and I was grateful to be a part of that sweet conversation. Kris and Renee, thank you for sharing your story with such honesty and transparency. I am so very grateful the Lord allowed our paths to cross. I know their story will be an encouragement to you wherever you are in your journey. It’s my prayer that their story will be a reminder to hope even when your situation may seem hopeless.
We are Kris and Renee this is our second adoption story through Christian Adoption Consultants (CAC). The story of bringing Rayna, our daughter, home began one day as Renee was sitting in an empty bedroom. While we had discussed another adoption, at that point we hadn't taken any steps to pursue anything. We had prayed and felt as though it was in God’s plan, but was not sure how it would happen. There was no way we could pay for another adoption. We were getting older, each of us turning 40 this year. The chances of adopting again seemed to be dwindling, but we both felt in our hearts that something was missing.
One day Renee was in the empty bedroom. We had many discussions about what to do with this room, make it a craft room, a toy room, guest room, or an office. Sitting in the room, I (Renee) began smiling. As I sat there I imagined a nursery, where I’d put a crib, what color the walls would be. At that moment, I had to figure out how to discuss this with Kris. Well he caught me. He walked in and asked what I was doing. I immediately started to laugh and then cry, followed by more laughter. Kris stood in the doorway perplexed about the outflow of emotions, but I couldn’t find the words. Finally, I was able to get out that I thought the room needed to be a nursery. Kris stood there, not speaking for quite some time, then began to laugh himself. He said something along the lines of “hmmmmm”. This is where the conversation was left. We began our second adoption in May 2018, we made the decision that would forever change our lives and fill the room with joy and laughter.
Our first adoption to our son, Ethan, happened very quickly. We were aware that every adoption story was different, but it’s difficult to see when you’re in the process. With our second adoption, and after many months of hearing multiple “no’s”, the pain hit us both. The reality of how difficult the adoption process truly can be came to a head. We presented our profile over and over again. All the "no's" became a true test to our faith and emotions.
I can’t tell you how many conversations we had with Kelly Todd, our adoption consultant with CAC, asking her “What’s wrong with us? What could we do differently? What can we change?” She would always reassure us and remind us to trust in God’s plan and His timing. But after a while this is difficult to hear. Kris and I questioned our decision to pursue this adoption. We questioned things, such as “Are we to old? Do we have too many other children?" I remember asking Kelly during one of our many conversations, "How do we know when enough is enough? How do we know that we have followed the right path?" As I sobbed on the phone, she again said “Renee, you have to trust that God has a plan for you.”
At this point I was questioning every aspect of our current situation. But then we got a call that would change our lives forever. Kris was on his way out the door, but something made him wait. When we answered the phone, we were told that an expectant mother wanted us to be the parents of her baby girl that would be due in 1 week. On July 8th we welcomed our Daughter Rayna into the world. She was born with a full head of thick black hair and was absolutely perfect! It was an honor for me (Renee) to be present with her birth mother for Rayna’s delivery and to have the privilege of cutting her umbilical cord.
Although our journey wasn't easy, every "no" led us to our daughter, Rayna. We are so grateful for the story God has written for our family.
***If you are interested in learning more about adoption and the services we provide at Christian Adoption Consultants, I would love to chat! Feel free to email me, Kelly Todd, at kelly@christianadoptionconsultants.com and check out Christian Adoption Consultants for more information!***