Going Public with our Adoption Journey!

When Duffy and I got married on December 15, 2007, our plan was to start our family immediately. Although we were still dashingly attractive...we weren't exactly spring chickens...and we knew that in order to have the 4 kids we wanted, we would need to start having kids ASAP.

6 months into the process - we still weren't pregnant. So we started researching and talking to people. We read the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" and started charted temperatures and such.

18 months into the process - still no luck. We went to a fertility specialist that diagnosed me (Charis) with a condition that makes it difficult to get pregnant, but doesn't affect my ability to carry a child to full term. The doctor suggested we try Invitro (IVF) and told us our chances were really high of conceiving.

20 months into the process - IVF didn't work and although we were really sad to lose our twins, we realized that God had other plans for us "plans for good and not for evil, to give us a hope and a future"(Jer. 29:11). We began taking adoption classes through the state of Texas (CPS) in September and should complete our certification process by November.

I could write for pages describing the emotional roller coaster we've been on, the lessons God has taught us, and how we've grown closer together through this journey - but I'll save that for another time. Right now... WE NEED YOUR HELP!
So many couples are able to adopt because someone they knew, knew someone that was pregnant and looking for an adoptive family - and the connection was made through friendship, church, or family rather than an adoption agency. We have no idea how or when God is going to bring us a child - but we wanted our friends to know about our journey, on the chance that maybe God will use you to bring a child into our lives and weave you into our story.

If you know of anyone, or become aware of someone in your life that is looking for an adoptive family - please consider sharing our story with them. Currently, we are hoping to adopt up to two children under the age of 3 (any race - but we would be especially thrilled to be able to adopt an African American child), but we will be open to whatever God brings us.

WE ALSO NEED...your prayer. For us, for our child (wherever he/she/they may be), and for our child's biological parents. Please add us to your prayer lists and keep us in your thoughts. I've recently started writing one-minute prayer/devotional daily. If you would like to join our daily email prayer/devo list - shoot me a message and I'd be happy to add you.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, think of us, and pray for us. We truly are treasuring all the support and encouragement that we are getting back from our friends and family - you are all such a blessing to us. We are SO excited to see what God does in our lives and family!

Love you all,
Charis & Duffy