"Early on in our relationship, we discussed how we both loved the idea of adoption. After we got married, we thought we would have biological children first, and then pursue adoption later. However, God’s plans were different. When we experienced infertility in the first few years of our marriage, we decided to pursue adoption, and pray for God’s will to be done.
After talking to a couple from our church that had partnered with ECFA to adopt their daughter, we decided to attend an informational meeting in February of 2018. In May of 2018 we decided to begin the home study process. At the end of August 2018, we were officially approved and were excited to meet the child God had in store for us. During the season of waiting, we experienced some discouragement when a few possible placements that we pursued did not work out. We knew God had a specific child for us and continued to trust Him in the waiting although at times it was difficult.
In the spring of 2019, we found out a young girl that we knew personally was pregnant and, due to her circumstances, was considering adoption. We began to pray for God’s leading in this process. When she officially chose us to be the adoptive parents of her baby girl, we also found out we were expecting! We were shocked, excited and confused all at the same time. We began to pray that the birth mom would still choose us after knowing that we were also pregnant, and she did!
Eliana Grace was born on September 28th, 2019 . We were able to be in the hospital for her birth and continue to have a relationship with her birth mom through open adoption. Eliana means “God has answered”, and we truly believe she is an answer to prayer for us. We praise God that we were able to experience the blessing of our two girls nearly six months apart. Although we experienced trials and uncertainty during the process, God had a perfect and wonderful plan for our family. We learned so much from this journey and continue to trust God to lead us in the days to come. To Him be all the glory!