Ray and Laura
In the 1980s, my wife Laura and I pursued an international adoption. After years of researching and filing complicated forms and applications to numerous adoption agencies, we finally moved forward with a Korean adoption, expecting to receive our baby within months.
On the day we mailed our final application to the international agency, we received a call from a friend informing us of a pregnant woman ready to place her child with an adoptive couple. In just four months, we were the parents of a beautiful baby girl, Erika. Although the adoption progressed smoothly, we still experienced many trying circumstances along the way. Despite those trying circumstances, we began the adoption process two-and-a-half years later and adopted another little girl, Elizabeth, who joined our family in just three weeks.
As an adoptive couple, Laura and I can attest to the fact that the time, uncertainty, and emotional trials you will face during the adoption process are quickly forgotten once you hold your child in your arms for the first time. Because we experienced the same fears and concerns during our adoptions that you too may face, as your attorney I can offer you not only a unique understanding of the struggles related to your adoption but also a personal commitment to building your family through adoption.
I invite you to read the testimonies of several clients who, after enduring their own obstacles and difficulties through the adoption process, have faith in the miracle of adoption.
Amy and Conrad
Before we talked to Ray Godwin, we thought domestic adoption was nearly impossible. We had unsuccessfully tried to adopt through two different agencies before we spoke with Ray about domestic adoption. Ray and his staff were wonderful from the initial phone call. They always took the time to explain the adoption process and answer any questions that we had.
We were matched with a birth mother within a matter of days, and our son was born three weeks later. It was quite a whirlwind, but so very worth it! Connor is a wonderful, healthy baby whom we have had since the first day of life.
I cannot say enough about how comforting it was to work with Ray and his staff. I have never met a group of people more dedicated to building families and fulfilling dreams. Our son is truly a godsend, and we know that he was meant to be with us. Our family is complete and our hearts are full.
Eddie and Lori
Adoption for us was an emotional rollercoaster, even though we were blessed with a wonderful birth mother. The wait was worth it; our Edison is precious.
We are thankful for The Complete Adoption Book, written by Ray and his wife, Laura. It helped us immensely. We are very grateful that Ray was there to lead us through this miracle of adoption.
Chris and Melissa
We can't express enough the appreciation that we have for Ray Godwin. He is well-respected by adoptive families and birth mothers alike for both his candor and his concern for all involved in the adoption process.
We have recommended several families to his office for counsel, and have received overwhelming positive feedback from all. As we have added to our family through the miracle of adoption, we have of course worked with his office, and can't recommend enough for other adoptive families and birth mothers to do the same!
Dan and Melissa
We had always wanted to adopt a child. For us, adoption was a picture of God's adopting His children for salvation. We had already been blessed with two biological children-Hannah and Daniel. Daniel was born with severe disabilities, and we were told in 2001 that it would be best not to have any more children.
After receiving that news, we began researching several adoption agencies, but were unhappy with their processes. Our research on transracial adoptions interested us because it showed another picture of God's diverse family. After talking with another adoptive couple who had adopted transracially, we were referred to Ray Godwin.
We started the adoption process in September and brought Isaiah, an African-American baby, home on December 20, 2001. Hannah became a little mother to Isaiah, and an instant bond formed between all three children. Less than two years later we began planning for another transracial adoption. In November of 2003, we brought home Noah who added another facet to the family.
A short time later, little Daniel passed away, but we accepted God's timing and rejoiced in His blessings. When people ask us how we deal with a transracial family and the occasional looks and questions from other children, we just explain that if it weren't for adoption, we wouldn't be a part of God's family.
Jeff and Rebecca
Before our initial contact with Ray Godwin, our understanding of adoption was very limited. The first time I contacted the office, my call was returned promptly by Laura who spent close to an hour on the phone with me answering our questions and explaining the process to me.
Mary's adoption, our first adoption with Ray, happened very quickly and smoothly, a few days after our home study was approved. Ray and his office staff were very helpful, guiding us through the entire process.
When we were ready to adopt again, we contacted Ray. I had always been interested in multiples, and was quite ecstatic when Ray's office contacted us regarding identical triplet boys to be born in a few months. The placement was complicated by a number of factors, including a trip across the country 3,000 miles from home, and inherent uncertainties and risks of a triplet pregnancy. Ray was always accessible by phone any time I had a question or issue arise during the trip. Ray's office staff all went out of their way to assist us in the process. We are so thankful for their guidance and help each step of the way. We also thank the Lord for our sons Chris, Dan, and Nathan.
David and Janet
Both of us have always loved working with children and spending time with them. So when we found out we wouldn't be able to have biological children, we decided to adopt.
It was a highly emotional time for us, and we really appreciated the help of Ray and his staff. We had many questions, but the people in Ray's office patiently answered all our questions and explained things for us. Just six months after meeting with him, Ray surprised us by placing our daughter, Katy, into our arms and hearts.
We were thrilled to see how the Lord had worked out every detail. When we were ready to have our family grow again by adoption, we contacted Ray's office and started the paperwork. All three of us are eagerly looking forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to add to our family.
