This story, “The Lord Was Calling Us,” was written by Augustine & Molly, parents sharing the personal account of the adoption of their son, Luke, through Lutheran Family Service.

Our story of how we came to adopt Luke is an amazing one. My husband sent me an email from Lutheran Family Service asking for prayers as well as if anyone knew of a family willing to adopt a baby boy who was going to have a lifelong medical condition. I immediately called my husband and said that we should reach out to find out more information. Getting the response email, I immediately did a deep dive into Prader-Willi Syndrome as well as taking it to prayer that night.

God Had A Plan

“We felt strongly that the Lord was calling us to go down this path. We did not know what would happen, but we trusted that God had a plan and we had a role to play in this little boy’s life.”

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is caused by a deletion or mutation of genes on chromosome 15, preventing the body from producing certain proteins that regulate appetite, growth, and behavior. There is no cure for PWS, but with proper treatment and management, individuals can live long and fulfilling lives.

After an introductory meeting with Kim at LFS, we were instructed to send short biographies with pictures of our family. We met with the birthparents and then waited for their decision. I was teaching Catechesis when our social worker, Kari, called me, so I could not take the call. She then reached out to my husband, who was able to answer. Normally it’s the woman who tells her husband that they are having a baby, but when I got home that night he shared with me that we had been chosen! I began to smile uncontrollably. Excitement and joy filled my heart. I wanted this little boy so badly and had been afraid to hope that he would be ours.

A Growing Family

Then began the whirlwind of paperwork. We were motivated to get through it because we wanted to meet Luke so badly. It was at this time that we began to talk to our three-year-old son, Max, about how he was going to be a big brother. Max was so excited to finally meet his baby brother and bring him home from the NICU. Their meeting was so sweet.

Now it feels as if Luke has always been a part of our family. It is hard to imagine the time before him. Max and Luke are each other’s biggest fans, often having giggling sessions together. Max is also a cheerleader for Luke through all of his therapies and doctor appointments. Luke is a very happy baby, with one of the best smiles.

“We are so grateful to God for the gift of Luke, and for Lutheran Family Service and all that they did to help us through this process.”

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!