Philip + Hope. I remember the first time I had the privilege of speaking with them. It’s hard to imagine a sweeter family could exist. I had the honor of joining them on their second adoption journey with CAC in their waiting, little did they know that not long after our conversation, that their wait was about to come to quick end. After a 16 hour drive straight into a hurricane and a worldwide pandemic, they were able to hold their sweet baby boy. I was so encouraged by their hearts as they walked through this journey to their son. They lead with open hearts and hands, prayerfully considering each step. Philip + Hope, thank you for allowing me to walk alongside of you as your family became a party of four.
I can truly say no two adoptions are alike. The second time around, I felt confident that I had realistic expectations and much more patience than the first time. About 6 months in, I was faced with the fact that I had actually expected to be matched by then, and I no longer had patience. We had heard so many “no’s” that it felt defeating. This is where God walked with me further and helped me turn my eyes on Him. He graciously worked in my heart. His plans are far greater than mine, and I needed to be reminded of that again. I prayed for patience, and I prayed that I would not waste the precious time we had had left as a family of just three.
Our consultant, MacKenzie, was a constant flow of encouragement, wisdom, and prayer. My husband and I leaned hard on her advice and input. She spent a lot of time walking us through different situations, our thoughts, and questions. She met everything with grace and calmness, and luckily that rubbed off on me just when I needed it. I had prayed the whole time that we would have another match that resulted in a quick birth and placement.
When our son’s situation came through, it came with a few unknowns. Some of those unknowns had in fact convinced us to pass on many situations previously. This one felt different. My husband, always calm and steady in his decisions, knew immediately we should go for it despite the unknowns. So, we presented. That same evening we received a call that the expecting mother wanted to speak to us on the phone the following day. This was not an experience we were granted with our first adoption, so this was new and intimidating. Again, God led the way.
We felt an immediate connection with her and I just kept thinking how kind and loving she seemed. It was hours after that call that she chose us, and four days later that she gave birth to her son who became our’s. It was the whirlwind of crazy that I had prayed for. It took so long to get to this fast moment. The most surreal, loving, and memorable part of gaining another son was when his birth mother handed him to me herself. There was so much love and sacrifice in her heart and it made mine ache even through the joy. We spent the next day in a hospital room next to her’s. I had the opportunity to speak with her one-on-one a handful of times. Those conversations are precious memories I will share with my son one day. Without a doubt, she loves this little boy with her whole heart. We feel honored to be chosen to be his parents. He is an answer to our prayers. His big brother dotes on him and has a very special bond with him already.
While we move forward with joy in seeing our son smile at us and grow, we remember his birth mother’s words, her sacrifice, and her love.
– Philip & Hope
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