2023 has been such an exciting year for us as we recently welcomed a baby girl into our home! We were anxious to begin the adoption process in 2022 after struggling with infertility for over a year. After applying with Lifeline, and completing the required training, we became a waiting family in May of this year. In July, we received a call that we had been matched with a baby girl in North Carolina, not too far from where we live. This baby girl had a number of medical needs that were being cared for in the hospital. We were told to pack a bag for at least two nights, just in case we would stay longer than anticipated. We ended up staying in the hospital for ten days. During that time, our daughter was undergoing speech therapy sessions to help strengthen the muscles in her neck because formula was going into her lungs when she swallowed. After a week of therapy, our sweet girl had a repeat swallow study and passed with flying colors. The feeding tube that had been in place for over a week was removed. Praise God! The doctors watched her closely for another night to make sure she was able to take in enough formula by mouth. Thankfully, she did great, and we were able to take her home the next day! She had the most amazing care team in the hospital! Her doctors, nurses, and therapists were all cheering her on. Friends and family members were praying for a quick recovery. God was so faithful!  

We are so grateful for our Lifeline team! Our social worker, Mikaela, was absolutely amazing! She walked us through the entire adoption process and answered so many questions. When our daughter was in the hospital waiting to be matched with a family, Mikaela was there advocating for her. This is something we will cherish forever! We began post-adoption counseling shortly after bringing our daughter home. This has also been wonderful, and we enjoy meeting with our counselor, Greyson, weekly.  

The advice I would give to a family considering adoption is to trust that God is sovereign. He knows what is ahead, and He cares about every detail! If you choose to pursue adoption, God knows exactly which child He is going to bring into your family.