Miracles In Adoption

Adoption Stories

Brandon and Kathy

In March of 2018, God opened our eyes and our hearts to a little girl across the world. After two failed international adoption attempts (due to intercountry conflict) spanning five years, we were no longer expecting God to grow our family intercontinentally. Neither were we actively seeking to adopt a child with Down Syndrome.

But God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. His plans are always better than ours!

In a series of providential events that only God could orchestrate, our adoption agency, Nightlight Christian Adoptions, connected us to a family from Greenville, South Carolina, that had finalized their adoption from Hong Kong using Ray Godwin. Even though we lived an hour and a half away, after their positive experience, we knew he would be our first choice for representing our daughter and family.

From day one, the process was seamless. Mr. Godwin and his staff work with excellence. You can tell they enjoy the work they are doing and the eternal impact it is making for God’s Kingdom.

Their attention to detail and courteous communication were especially helpful amid the 2020 pandemic.

From start to finish, we were able to trust them with the details and celebrate the big day in August when we got to officially declare our daughter as an Eiff. We will always cherish that moment and the children’s Bible Ray gifted Mandy Chloe. The Ray Godwin Team will forever be a part of the story God has written for her life! And for that, we are forever grateful.

Daniel and Faith

It was October of 2018 when we first came into the office. It had been about five years previously off and on that God kept changing my (Faith) heart toward adoption. But Daniel wasn’t there yet. But a year before we met with Ray, God worked in his heart, and we decided to follow what God had called us to do. We decided we would let God shut the doors.

From there, the paperwork was smooth-sailing. In December of 2018, we received our first match. Everything was going well until the end of January, when the expectant mom stopped responding to our messages. She just dropped off completely, and no one could get ahold of her. She was due April 9, so at the beginning of March, Ray said that it was officially disrupted.

We went through a 30-day waiting period before going back on the matching list. It was devastating for our family. Our world was tipped upside down, and our kids were really, really low. It was definitely a stretching time for our family.

From March to July, there was nothing going on. We tried self-matching, to no avail. Then in July, we went to Ohio on a business trip and got a call that an expectant mom was on her way to the hospital. We were ready to leave Ohio and travel straight to her. But it turned out she wasn’t in labor after all. We came home and started talking to her. She seemed nervous but committed to an adoption plan. She had a week left until her due date. We have a friend who is a pilot, and he was ready to fly us to her at a moment’s notice. Her due date came and went, and we hadn’t heard from her. But we still didn’t see any red flags. Then on Tuesday, her lawyer called us with the bad news—she had delivered on Saturday and changed her mind.

The second disruption took the wind out of our sails. We were done with the emotional roller coaster. Maybe God was just testing us. I felt like that time, our kids were so strong. I was so low and emotionally exhausted. I was especially worried about our oldest son, who was struggling a lot. But he spent a long time reading his Bible, and the kids started writing notes to Daniel and me to remind us of God’s faithfulness. Then they started talking about being matching again. We couldn’t quit.

So, we called Ray and asked him if we could go ahead and be considered for another match. Two weeks later, we received a call about another baby. This expectant mom was two weeks away from her due date. We had prayed for a baby who would fit our family, but we didn’t know anything about this baby or expectant mom because she wanted a closed adoption. This time, we had no contact with her beforehand. She was due August 26.

Sunday was August 25. We were in the middle of having our Sunday school class pray for us, and I just kept having this feeling that we needed to go home and pack. In the middle of the prayer, I received the text from Flossie (our caseworker) that we needed to be packed and on the road in an hour. And now we have our baby boy.

If our son’s birth mom called us again, we would consider going through the process again. But right now, we don’t necessarily feel that God is calling us to adopt again. Thankfully, we have since been able to connect with the birth mom and hear from her about once a month.

It was a hard process, but we really enjoyed working with Ray. We very much trust the experience. I get terribly excited when I hear that people want to adopt, but I also want them to know that it isn’t something magical. It’s a hard process and journey. But our lives changed completely. God is so faithful and amazing.

disclaimer to the bottom of each story – Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Don and Wendy

Dealing with Mr. Godwin was an absolute pleasure. He wanted to help us when another attorney we talked to wanted to charge us $700 just to answer our questions!

The first birth mother chose another family. But then Marion found Jane*. At first, we wanted just one child, and we wanted a boy. But Marion’s husband, Blake, did our home study for two children. When Marion called and told us about a little girl, I immediately said, “We’ll take her.” And when Marion told me that Jane was pregnant and wanted her children to stay together, I said, “We’ll take THEM.” I called my wife, and she agreed that we’d take them.

DSS already had custody of our daughter, so we had to fight DSS from March to November. The attorney for the GAL was on DSS’ side and said they didn’t believe we should get the child. Their attorney said, “If every birth mother DSS took a child from lost her rights, what would DSS do?”

Two days later, we drove back to Greenville to pick up our daughter, who was now 15 months old. And two months later, her brother came to live with us as well.

When our son turned three, I started praying for another baby. Jane was pregnant again, but she had pain in her liver and found out it was Hepatitis C. She was 20 weeks pregnant, so she decided to wait on treatment until she had the baby. She had grown up in the system herself and wanted to make the right decision for her baby.

After much prayer and discussion, we decided, “No man left behind.” Thankfully, she made the decision to place with us again.

One of the challenges we faced with adoption is that both of our sons were born addicted to methadone. I am always happy to speak with Ray’s clients who are considering whether they can adopt a baby who has been exposed to drugs. What I want to say is that it’s nothing that affects them for the rest of their lives. When the wean-down process is done, it’s done. My boys are fine now. In fact, we are definitely a soccer family, and I’m a 55-year-old stay-at-home dad with a six-year-old!

Joshua and Sara

At the first hearing, Ray gave Sarah Catherine a children’s Bible. At this point, she had asked a few salvation-related questions, but nothing that ever led anywhere. She loves having us read her stories from the Story Bible, and it has sparked a lot of good conversations.

About three weeks ago, Sarah Catherine came into our room teary-eyed and said she needed to ask God for forgiveness because she didn’t want to go to hell for “messing up.” (We had just finished a story about sacrificing animals in the Old Testament.) This obviously led to a conversation about salvation, and she accepted Christ.

A couple of weeks later, after many discussions with Sarah Catherine, Olivia (her sister) did the same. They will be baptized together at our church soon.

Out of unimaginable heartbreak, tragedy, and disappointment has come so much joy and beauty. We are thankful to be a part of what God is doing through this situation, and we just wanted you to know that you have played a huge role as well. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our mission of adopting SC as well as your gift. Because of it, our sweet girl gets to spend eternity with the One Who created her!

Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Clark and Tracy

Ray, Marion, and the staff helped make our dream of adopting a child become a reality. From the very beginning, the entire team guided us step-by-step through each process. A journey that can often be found stressful was made easy for us. Four months after meeting with Ray, we were matched with our birth mother and now are proud parents of the most perfect little girl.

Mike and Bettina

For many years we tried to adopt a child from China but it eventually became apparent that it was not God’s will for us. We began talking about domestic adoption and remembered an article we had saved about Ray Godwin. After much prayer we decided to give him a call. We soon had an appointment with him. He was very nice and upfront with us about what he and his staff could do for us. Within just a couple of months our photo book was being shown to potential birth moms. Although we experienced a failed adoption we new that God had a child for us and that we just needed to trust Him. After 15 months of waiting we received the phone call and soon held the most beautiful little girl in our arms.

Isabella is now a year old. Our precious gift from God has brought us so much joy and happiness.

We want to publicly thank Ray Godwin and his staff for all that they did for us thru the whole adoption process. Everyone was so kind and and helpful. We pray that God will continue your endeavors for many years to come.

Faith and Adoption

Awaken Magazine published an article written by one of our Adoptive Couples.

Adoption is a very important concept for a Jesus follower because it defines how we join the family of God. Like many concepts that are important in life, the best way to learn them is through experience. That is how adoption was opened up to me, through my own experience.

My husband and I always wanted to adopt. We had a biological son first named Jude and he changed my life. I love him so much and he made me realize the biggest purpose for my life was to be his mom. I had a very difficult pregnancy and I was not prepared to go through that again. We felt it was time to consider adoption. There are many fears that I walked through to make a decision to adopt.

What if I canʼt love this baby like my first son Jude? What if the birth mom changes her mind? What if there is something wrong with the baby?

Evan and Jennifer

Words cannot fully express the gratitude Evan and I fell to your teams in leading and guiding us through the adoption process with Emma Kate. Over the course of 4 short months, God gave us the greatest miracle, moment by moment–and I still six weeks after her birth, can’t quite take it all in. You all did so much–giving generously of your talents, time, patiently answering my many questions (and a few for Evan too), saying prayers for us, showing us love and compassion and handling all the details that gave this miracle the chance and space to unfold. After a huge amount of pain through our miscarriages over the last 3+ years, we have come out on the other side–you have changed our lives forever and brought us so much joy with our beautiful Emma Kate. She smiled at Evan for the first time this morning, and I thought my heart would stop.

God bless each of you and please remember that what you do every day changes lives and gives people hope and so much joy.

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.

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.

Eddie and Lori

Adoption for us was an emotional roller coaster, 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 Laura Beauvais. It helped us immensely. We are very grateful that Ray was there to lead us through this miracle of adoption.

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.

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!

Birthmother Stories

Jessica’s Story

“During the first phone call I made, I talked directly to Ray and scheduled an appointment. I was nervous when I walked into his office because of the unknown, but everyone there was so kind and so friendly. I had many questions, and every one of my questions was answered with care and compassion.

“Ray set up meetings with two different couples from me to choose from. When I met the couple that eventually adopted my child I knew that they were the ones; I had been told that I would “just know” and I did. The adoptive couple that I chose is the most wonderful family I could have ever asked for. I will always know that my child is in the most loving home he could have; I have Ray and his staff to thank for that!

“It is a very difficult decision to place your child for adoption, but Ray and his staff make it so much easier.”

Erin’s Story

“I would like to thank you and everyone in your office for helping me with everything. I would also like to thank you for finding such a great and loving family for my son. Please let them know that I am very sorry for the stress that they endure with him being in the hospital.”

Beth’s Story

“I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude for all you and your associates have done for me during this difficult time. Everyone in your office was very understanding and compassionate with everything I was dealing with. I know without a doubt that Laura Beth and Dave are the right ones to raise Seth and I find solace in knowing how happy they are. My only regret is that I could not do it myself, which I am not used to not being the one in control. Also, thank you so much for getting Mr. Campbell’s office involved on my behalf with this ridiculous DSS situation. I have never done drugs or abused my child in any way shape or form, and for her and I to be questioned and in the manner we were is absurd. I know that is not what you were hired for but you had him call anyway and I appreciate it very much! Also, Jane was extremely there for me at the hospital when the DSS caseworker was there. Up until then, she was abrasive and almost inconsiderate, but she definitely was there when I needed her most. Please extend my thanks to her if you get a chance.”

Assisting Families
For More Than 30 Years

Miracles In Adoption

Adoption Stories

Birthmother Stories

News And Resources

Assisting FamiliesFor More Than 30 Years

Miracles In Adoption

Adoption Stories

Birthmother Stories

News And Resources

Assisting Families
For More Than 30 Years