The "S" Family
God has blessed us with two biological children, but we felt God calling us to adoption as the next step in growing our family. In 2020, Bekah started seeing ads on Facebook for Ray's office that mentioned free phone consultations. When I called, I was told that the ads weren't supposed to be running still but that they would honor the free consultation. We had our phone call, and we were told that it would be 9 months to a year to find a match--likely longer, since we had specified wanting a girl (our only request because we felt like God had told us we were going to adopt a girl).
We said we would pray about things and call back if we wanted to move forward. Shockingly, three days later, we got a call from Marion about a potential match where she said all she knew about the case initially was that it was a girl. The rest is history! God brought our daughter, Annette, into our lives. The adoption was finalized later that year, and our sweet girl is a daily reminder of God’s favor and grace.
In the spring of 2022, we received word that Annette’s birth mom was pregnant with a baby boy. We were told she was unable to raise the child herself, so we started the adoption process again. While adopting again so soon was not something we were expecting or planning for, we didn’t hesitate to commit. We knew that being able to raise these two siblings together would be a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, that adoption process disrupted, and our family was left heartbroken.
After this disruption, Ray asked us if we wanted to see what other adoption opportunities might come up. Our hearts were torn because we were still recovering emotionally; but we told him he could keep our file active, and we would wait to see what God might have in store.
In the fall of 2022, we received a call about a baby boy being born in just a few short weeks; and the birth mom was looking to review potential families. We updated our family profile, and the expectant mom almost instantly selected us! We were overwhelmed with joy and excitement but also terrified to jump back in again. In December 2022, we brought home our son, Jett. We found out that his birth mom had actually scheduled an abortion, but her appointment was canceled when Roe v. Wade was overturned. Once her state resumed abortions, she was too far along; so she started looking for other options.
Adoption was Jett’s birth mom’s second choice, but it was God’s first choice. Jett’s name means “abundance,” and God reminded us of his abundant love through Jett’s adoption process. He continues to remind us daily through the last few years with him.
Fast forward to the present, 2025… We were not aware that Jett’s birth mom was pregnant, but we got a call that she was having an emergency C-section that night (2/7/2025) and that the baby would be placed for adoption. We had one night to pray about whether or not we would jump into the process with her. During those next 12 hours, even though we were completely surprised, God made it abundantly clear that he was not surprised and that this was what He had next for our family. In less than 24 hours, we had someone at our home updating our home study; and the next morning, I was on a plane to Michigan.
Our sweet girl, Everette Rose, was born prematurely at 33 weeks, but she is slowly progressing each day. We have been watching God work miracles, big and small, each day; and it's been overwhelming and exhausting but absolutely amazing! Everette Rose means “courageous love,” and we believe that sums up her story so well. Baby Evie has some very big challenges ahead of her; but we know that God is bigger, so we are fully trusting Him.
Don't be afraid to open the door to give God room to work. You have no idea what He wants to do in your family, and it is likely bigger than you could ever imagine. We had many tough moments in our adoption journeys, but they were all worth it when we look into the eyes of our children. Each one is unique and made in the image of God, and we are beyond blessed to be their parents and to see our children grow up together as siblings. We LOVE this family that God built.
Don't let the financial aspect hold you back. Adoption is very expensive, but there is so much support through family, friends, community and, specifically, grants! God owns it all, anyway; and if He has adoption as part of your story, then He will provide. We have seen it time and time again!