Why?

Since Shawn and I began the process to adopt we have been asked why on many topics. I'd like to answer some of those questions that many of you have had. If there is anything I don't cover that you might be wondering about, please ask.   Shawn and I have discovered that adoption is one of our favorite things to talk about :)

Why another child?

 Honestly we just don't feel like our family is complete. Each time we have had another child we have fallen in love and marveled at what blessings each new little one has brought to our family. Our lives without Garrison's smile, Foster's jokes and Trox's laughter would be much less bright. Each new child has brought more work but the extra love felt by us has far outweighed it.

 Shawn also grew up with a large extended family and the memories and experiences he has are very dear to him (as mine are from a smaller family).   We really hope that we can teach the lessons on sharing and compromise you get from both kinds of families.  (He has also always told me he only likes even numbers and so, after Trox, we had to have one more ;)

Why Adopt?

 Even when we were dating we discussed adoption. For us it has always seemed to be just another great way to add to your family. We feel that if we pray and ask God to lead us to the child he wants to add to our family, that is the same as asking for a pregnancy. It is still God's decision either way what child comes to us.

God has also put so many wonderful people in our lives who have experienced adoption in one way or another. From Shawn's wonderful grandmother who was adopted at age 3, two amazing friends I have had that were adopted (Cristi and Karla- how blessed I've been friendships with you), to friends who have adopted (Susan and Coleman & Jenn and P.J. - our inspiration in this journey).

Why Adopt International?

First let me state that we don't feel that going to adopt internationally is in any way better than any other way to adopt. We had researched all of the ways to adopt for many years before finally deciding for many reasons that international was the best fit for our family. (If anyone is interested in adoption and would like to talk one on one with me about all the options I'd love to share all I've learned. There are so many wonderful ways to grow a family thru adoption).

Why Russia?

 As we did our research we just kept coming back to Russia. It is a well-established program that has already brought home over 60,000 children to their forever families. Though it requires three trips, each trip is only 1-2 weeks long. This was important to us because we would not have to be away from our boys for too long. Also Russia has children available as young as 8 months. We wanted to adopt as young as possible.  Most of all we just felt that Russia is where our daughter was!

So after years of research and so much prayer the only real question Shawn and I were left with was Why Not?