Dawn and Stephen Battise patiently waited for years to fulfill their God-given desire to adopt their two sons from Hungary. They knew adoption would be a part of their story for years long before their desire to adopt was fulfilled. After extensive research, the family was drawn to Lifeline because “we appreciated that they cared not only for adoptive families, but also for vulnerable biological families that needed support to remain together.”  

Dawn and Stephen began the adoption process in August 2020 without knowing whether they would pursue domestic or international adoption. Once they felt drawn to international adoption and decided to adopt from Hungary, the family experienced a large setback. They were grateful that, “the Lifeline team responded with so much compassion, and we truly knew they felt the loss with us.” 

In July 2022, Dawn and Stephen traveled to Hungary and met their sons, Richard (6) and Ezel (3). They stayed in-country for eight weeks. The family reflected, “Throughout our time in country Lifeline continued to provide great support so we could focus on bonding as family.” From walking to the playground and grocery store, to eating meals together, each day became filled with “treasured moments as we learned more about each other.”  

The Battise family has been home together for several months now. They apply what they learned from Lifeline’s pre-adoption education and Parent Coaching every day! They said, “it has been especially helpful to have practical examples of how to focus on connecting before correcting as we all learn how to be a family.”  

Looking back on their adoption journey, Dawn and Stephen are proud of their sons for adjusting to such a life-altering change. They understand, “there is no denying that loss and grief are a real part of adoption, but there is also great joy. We feel it every time a little hand is held in ours.”