Adoption Story: Ryan + Katie
I spoke to Katie and Ryan for the very first time at the end of November in 2017. They were very warm, friendly and extremely excited about starting the adoption process! They signed on with me at CAC just a few days after our initial call! As Katie will share with you tonight, the journey to their daughter, Nicklyn, wasn’t easy. In addition to the ups and downs that come with the adoption process, they also moved across the country about 7 months after beginning their journey. There were times when they wondered if they were on the right path and if this journey is what the Lord intended for them. But they continued praying, trusting God, and moving forward one step at a time. I’m honored to share their story with you and I’m confident it will be an encouragement to your family!
Every adoption story is unique and different. Some families are matched with an expectant mother very quickly, and for others it takes longer. Initially, we had no idea where to start the adoption process. But in November of 2017 we connected with Christian Adoption Consultants. We knew CAC was for us after one phone call with Adoption Consultant Kelly Todd. We signed on immediately and with her assistance the entire adoption process seemed less intimidating. I can't tell you how much of a relief it was to have someone there with us helping us out and answering all of our crazy questions!
After we signed on with CAC, Kelly provided us with home study recommendations. Our home study was completed in just a few short months and we began seeing situations immediately. We knew adoption was going to have its ups and downs, but we never imagined the emotional roller coaster it can put you on. Investing your heart into each situation that comes through, thinking about whether or not to present, choosing to present and then hearing "no" after "no" is not a journey for the faint of heart. We heard plenty of “no’s” in our adoption journey. It wasn't easy being told no. Sometimes you begin to think something is wrong with your family, "Why aren't we being chosen? What's wrong with us?"
In the very middle of our journey we also moved across the country. It was a very stressful time, but thankfully we were able to find another home study provider who was willing to work with us. We were able to update our home study pretty quickly without having to start completely over, which was a huge blessing!
In the Spring of 2019 we finally received a big "yes!" Kelly helped us navigate communicating with the expectant mother, how to prepare for travel, and what to expect at the hospital, which was extremely helpful to us! Although we were so excited about the possibility of becoming this baby's parents, the adoption ended up falling through after the baby was born. Kelly was right there for us, checking in by calling, texting, and praying for us every step of the way. To be honest, we were uncertain if we wanted to get back into the adoption process at that time. We were exhausted and just worn out from the process, but through prayers and talking with each other, we decided to continue with the adoption process. We put our trust in God and His plans for our family. Although we didn't know what to expect moving forward, He knew what our path was better than we did.
Later that summer we were matched with a baby girl that was to be born in just a few short months. Our daughter, Nicklyn was born on September 20. The Lord answered our prayers! We had the privilege of getting to meet our daughter's birth parents. It was her birthmother’s plan to place Nicklyn in our arms. This was an amazing moment that we will cherish forever. We are so grateful to have been able to meet her birth parents and have the ability to share photos and letters with them as Nicklyn grows.
We know from personal experience that this process isn’t easy, but don’t give up! Keep praying and trusting God! His plans are always betters than ours.
***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!***