Adoption Story: Swimming Pool to New Baby

From my first conversation with Patrick back in February, I couldn’t wait to tell you about how God was and would be working HUGE miracles in this family. The day I heard about sweet Frankie, Christina and Patrick were the first thing that came to mind! They had been through such heartache before CAC and I couldn’t wait for their story to come full circle and that heartache would be healed. We knew it would be, we just didn’t know when. On this specific day I emailed Christina and Patrick to tell them the situation of a baby boy that was already born. I would need to know immediately if they wanted to present or not. I called Christina roughly 5-10 times (lol) we have become friends enough where I feel like that was acceptable, I also sent her a ton of texts and finally called Patrick at work when I was unable to get a hold of her. I couldn’t let this situation pass them by!

I told Patrick the details and he immediately said,YES, present us! OH and Christina is at the pool with the boys so she probably isn’t hearing her phone? Of course I should have know she would have been spending quality time with her sweet boys and soon to be BIG BROTHERS! Really quick let me just tell you about Christina and Patrick and their Faith and just how beautiful it is. We have been talking for months about faith and timing and how we believe whole heartedly in both. Any situation that they presented to and were not chosen for, Christina showed SO MUCH Grace. She was ALWAYS happy for the other family and always stayed true to the fact that God had NOT forgotten them, he would heal their hurt when the timing was right. She was never bitter or angry but always gracious. It was really beautiful and inspiring to witness. Still at the pool Christina finally was able to see what was going on when she got to her phone and VERY soon after they got the call, they were chosen! She quickly left the pool to rush home and pack!

Frankie was BORN and they were so excited to meet him but more importantly the beautiful woman that delivered him that they would soon have an amazing bond with. They couldn’t find flights quick enough so they hopped in the car and drove 18 hours STRAIGHT to meet Frankie’s Birth mom!

Here’s what Christina had to say:

?My husband Patrick and I started with CAC in February, after two years of waiting with our local agency and two failed placements and heartbreaking losses. Patrick initially spoke to Casey and immediately felt like it would be a good fit for us. He and I were both looking for an advocate, someone to help us navigate through the process. We both knew from our first conversations, that Casey was that person. Not only did she have a heart for adoption, and have a son through her own adoption, but she loved Jesus and her words and actions spoke very clearly of that to us. It just felt like a great fit for our family.

We started the process of applying to various agencies in March. We felt hopeful for the first time again in months. We started fundraising, and felt so supported and loved by our family and friends. God was providing, we felt sure He had a plan. But as the days and weeks went by, doubt and fear started to creep in again. Some situations didn’t feel right for us, and we tried really hard to present to some and were toldno?.

We kept praying and trusting, but on the hard days when the doubts loomed like clouds over our hearts, we were carried by the prayers of others and encouraging words along the way from Casey.

And then, it happened on the most unassuming of days. I was at the pool with our older boys when I received the phone call about a precious mom and her baby born the day before. We knew we absolutely wanted to present, no doubts. I prayed for God’s will and tried to guard my heart because I knew that the door would close if he wasn’t our baby. Shortly after, I got a phone call that would change everything and end our wait. We were chosen to be his adoptive parents, and we needed to get to the hospital as quickly as possible to meet his birth mom before discharge. After two years of waiting and several before of longing and yearning to hold our baby in our arms, it happened so fast. We drove through the night, for 18 hours and arrived in time to meet his beautiful, courageous, selfless and strong birth mom, and to meet our son for the first time. We held him in our arms almost 24 hours exactly from the time we got the phone call. It was truly love at first sight. We fell hard in love with his birth mom and completely in love with our son, Frank Deonte, babyFrankie?.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that God is faithful. I’ve always known that, but now I truly know it deep down in my soul. He is the one who cultivates hopes and dreams in our hearts and he is faithful to carry us through. Philippians 1:6and I am certain that God who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

God is so good. He hears us. He answers prayer. He turns weeping into dancing and makes beauty from the ashes.
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We are so anxious to get home and introduce Frankie to his big brothers, who already love him so much. Vance party of 5 is ready to start this next part of our journey together!

Thank you so much for everything Casey.
We love you!!
Christina?

And now to meet Frankie