This story, “Trusting God’s Hand,” was written by Brandon & Ashley, an adoptive couple sharing the personal account of the adoption of their fourth child, Clay, through Lutheran Family Service.

My husband and I are extremely blessed to have been connected to Lutheran Family Service for over eight years now. During our time working with LFS, we have been blessed with four beautiful children through adoption. We know that none of this would have been possible without God’s hand in our journey, His guidance and grace, and the faithful work of Lutheran Family Service.

The Call

On a cold and dreary Thursday afternoon in early November of 2023, our phone rang. We could not believe it. I looked at my husband with tears in my eyes and quickly flipped my phone around to show him who was calling. He then reminded me that I needed to answer it. A social worker at LFS was calling to tell us that a beautiful and brave expectant mama had looked at our book earlier that afternoon and had chosen us to be the parents of her baby boy, due in just a few short weeks.

Intertwining Lives

On the morning of November 28, 2023, Clay was born via c-section. We were able to be with him within a few short moments after he was born and care for him during his days in the hospital. Our love for him arrived instantly. The staff at the hospital were kind, compassionate, and mindful of the emotions that surrounded the adoption process.

Throughout the day in the hospital, we were able to meet with different members of Clay’s family and those who loved him and his mama. There are always a lot of emotions that lead up to a meeting like this. We felt nervous and anxious and hoped that we were exactly who they hoped that we would be. But we knew God’s hand was all over Clay’s story, and we trusted that. Within moments of meeting, we hugged. The tears fell, and all the nerves fell away, too. We knew in that moment that God had given us all the peace that He knew we needed. We shared stories, lots of hugs, tears, and laughter during those first few days of Clay’s life. We are so thankful to Lutheran Family Service for helping all of us navigate the big emotions of that day and encouraging each of us to spend time together. It is so special to have those moments to be able to share with him and to have had the chance to get to know those who had a hand in joining our lives with Clay’s.

An Act Of Love

Oftentimes, it is misunderstood that birth families place their children for adoption out of not wanting them or simply not loving them. However, that could not be further from the truth.

These birth families show incredible love, strength, selflessness, and bravery in their choice to give their children life and place them for adoption. We have seen the depth of that love four times over, and it is not lost on us.

After returning home with Clay, we continued contact with his birth family and continue to do so. The contact has built trust and a growing relationship. We believe it will be so special for Clay to have that contact with them, and we are incredibly thankful for the gift God has given in allowing that relationship to grow. LFS has helped all of us navigate this from day one, and they have done so with grace, patience, and understanding. Their service to us and Clay’s birth family didn’t end that day in the hospital. It has continued every day since, and we are so thankful to them for that.

Thankfulness

Now, here we are, almost one year later. Clay is now a beautiful, brown-eyed, handsome baby boy who will turned one on Thanksgiving Day.

He is loved.
He is cherished.
He is adored.
And most importantly, he is a Child of God.

We are so thankful for the gift of Clay’s LIFE and that God has given us the blessing of raising this sweet boy and getting to love his birth family in the process as well.

To LFS, thank you. You have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus Christ throughout this process. You have guided, prayed, and encouraged us every step of the way, and your kindness, compassion, love, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Praise be to God for the kingdom work you are doing!

As a supporter of Lutheran Family Service adoption ministry, we urge you to continue praying for those in an unplanned pregnancy and are struggling. Thank you for your financial support so our worker could develop a relationship with this birthmother and help her as she made the decision that was best for her and her child. Your support and prayers made this possible.

Click HERE to read more adoption stories!

Or, support our Christian adoption efforts by giving to Lutheran Family Service HERE!