Posted on September 17, 2025 by Tim & Julie, Parents
Adoption
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Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of adopting. I remember watching a commercial about children in need, and something clicked. I wanted to “save” a child. But as I grew older, I realized adoption isn’t about saving, it’s about loving. Loving a child with everything you have.
A few decades later, Tim and I started our adoption journey. We were so thankful to find Lutheran Family Service. They helped us understand the process, prepared us for the emotional ups and downs, and stood by us every step of the way. We quickly learned that adoption is a roller coaster, and that waiting is the hardest part.
After our home study was approved, our profile book was shown to a handful of expectant moms, but we didn’t get chosen. At first, the excitement kept us going, but as time passed, our patience wore thin. We kept reminding ourselves of Tim’s grandma’s words: “Patience is a virtue.” Knowing and trusting that God had a plan for us, we stayed strong in our faith. And we often prayed for the birthmothers, that God would guide them and give them peace.
Then one day, we got an email from our amazing caseworker. A birthmother had just found out she was pregnant and was already in her third trimester. As soon as I read that email, I knew and could feel it deep in my heart. I told Tim, “This is the one. I can feel it!”
The birthparents were given over 30 books. They looked at 15, narrowed it down to 6, then 3. And then we got the call: “Would you like to meet them?” I didn’t hesitate, “Yes, absolutely!”
On December 21st, we met the birthparents and grandmother, matched, and found out we were expecting a baby girl in February. It felt like God’s hand was in every part of it.
After matching, we gathered a few last minute “girly” essentials and waited for the call. On Saturday night, February 1st, as we were falling asleep to a movie, our caseworker called: “It’s time.” I blurted out, “Tonight??” She chuckled, “Yes, tonight.” We grabbed our bags and headed to the hospital, hearts racing during the mostly quiet 1.25-hour drive with nervousness and excitement. Our dream was coming true.
Nora Lynn was born early the next morning, perfect and healthy. Holding her for the first time filled our hearts in ways words can’t describe.
But just three days after coming home, we got another call. My stomach dropped. I said, “Please don’t tell me we have to give her back.” A relative of the birthfather wanted to keep her in the family. The next 96 hours was a nightmare, filled with tears, prayers and held Nora as tightly as we could.
Our large family surrounded us with love, support, and prayer.
In the end, the birthparents, who had wanted us to be Nora’s parents all along, stood firm. On Monday night, February 10th at 6:17 p.m., they met with the lawyer and confirmed that Nora was meant to be ours. We could finally breathe again.
God had a plan. He knew we needed Nora, and she needed us.
On August 7th, the adoption was finalized. I couldn’t stop crying tears of pure gratitude. Nora is literally and figuratively a dream come true. We are so incredibly blessed.
We are forever thankful to Lutheran Family Service. They do more than help families adopt; they walk with you, support you, and show God’s love through every step. Their mission is to serve children and families with compassion, dignity, and hope, and we felt that in every moment of our journey. We truly could not be more grateful!
Adoption is a journey of love—one that honors both the child and the birth family, and invites adoptive families to trust God’s plan even when they can’t yet see the path ahead. Lutheran Family Service is humbled to walk alongside families like Tim and Julie, offering Christ-centered support and care every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Your prayers and financial gifts make it possible for LFS caseworkers to compassionately serve women facing unplanned pregnancies, walk with birth parents through difficult decisions, and help match children with loving Christian homes.
Click HERE to read more adoption stories like Nora’s.
Support the work of Christian adoption through Lutheran Family Service HERE.
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