Adoption Story: Lance + Ann-Marie

From the first time I spoke with Lance and Anne – Marie it was clear that they had a heart for adoption. Every conversation with them was filled with compassion and love. They spoke and acted in a way that embodies how to love and serve well through adoption. The values of laughter, friendship, honesty, communication, faith, and family shone through everything they did in the adoption process. What stood out to me the most however, was the way in which they loved and respected their son’s birth family. While their path to parenthood was different than they may have planned a few years ago, Lance & Anne – Marie share ways that God continued to be with them throughout the entire process, even when it didn’t feel so clear at the time. 

Here they graciously share more of their hearts surrounding their adoption and the ways in which God was working through them:

“Adoption has changed our family forever. Being on the other side of all the tears, unanswered prayers, heartbreak, and anger, it is so easy to see what God was doing now. But it wasn’t always that way. It used to be the biggest punch in the gut to hear that from people when we were in the midst of the struggles.” 

If you have walked through adoption yourself or know someone who is/has, you also may be able to relate to this feeling. Of knowing ultimately that God’s plans are good, but on the same hand navigating feelings of uncertainty and discouragement. Anne-Marie’s vulnerability and openness with the hard moments allows us to really get a glimpse of how God can work through us in seasons of waiting, preparing us in ways we haven’t imagined. 

“I wish I could say that I walked this path and never lost faith or had any doubts. I definitely had many days that I was angry with God for putting me through all the things He did. I often asked Him ‘why me?’ But now, sitting on the other side of this process, with my son in my arms, it all makes sense. We were meant to form the strongest bond with his birth family during the process and now consider them part of our family too. 

We would not be in this amazing, overjoyed, and blessed place without our church counselor, CAC, family, friends, and countless others along the way.  I will be eternally grateful. My advice for families going through the process right now is to lean on your support system and do not be afraid to feel however you are feeling. God is there no matter what.”

It has been a privilege to see Lance & Anne – Marie’s adoption story unfold. The joy in which they still continue to speak about their growing family is contagious. May you find hope and trust throughout their words and trust that God is with you, always.