This story, “Guided By Grace,” was written by Aaron & Maria, parents sharing the personal account of the adoption of their son, Russell, through Lutheran Family Service.

A Seed Planted Early

Our adoption story began when Maria and I were high school sweethearts. For several years, Maria had volunteered at a summer camp for children in the foster care system, and one summer she invited me to join her. That week at camp was life‑changing — not only for our relationship with each other, but for our relationship with God. We saw His hand at work through the children and the volunteers in ways we couldn’t ignore.

I vividly remember driving home from camp and talking with Maria about the possibility of foster care or adoption someday, far in the future.

Fast forward a handful of years to when we were married. We knew — with God’s help — that we were called to start and grow a family. We began the long process of doctor’s appointments, filled with frustration and countless prayers asking God for clarity on how we were meant to fulfill that calling.

After a couple of years of waiting, we decided to pursue a less‑traditional path: adoption. Because we had siblings, aunts, and uncles whose lives had been touched by adoption, and because of our camp experience, we felt God confirming that this was the path for us. For the first time in a long time, we felt peace. We felt direction.

Beginning The Adoption Journey

Shortly after deciding to adopt, we contacted Lutheran Family Service (LFS) on the recommendation of a family friend. We were impressed by their commitment to faith and their dedication to both birth families and adoptive families.

We were introduced to our caseworker, Cathy, and immediately knew we were in good hands. The paperwork was completed as quickly as possible — filling it out at home, in the car, even while on vacation — and we were officially eligible to adopt in April.

God’s faithfulness became even more evident when we received The Email just three months later in July. Something about this email — the birth mother’s situation, the timing, the feeling — stood out from the others. After more prayer, we felt certain God was intertwining our story with hers when we got the call for a match meeting.

We walked into that meeting excited, hopeful, and terrified. But as soon as the conversation began, our nerves calmed. We instantly connected with the birth mother and her family and could genuinely see a future together. Not long after, we received the call that she had chosen us to be her baby’s adoptive parents.

Preparing For Russell

The two months between matching and the birth were a whirlwind of preparation, prayer, and praise. We were blessed to build a relationship with the birth mother — talking about hopes and dreams for the child, choosing a name together, and even attending an ultrasound. These were experiences we never expected to have and are incredibly grateful for.

One Wednesday night, while serving in kids ministry at church, Cathy called to tell us the baby would be born two weeks early. Time was of the essence — and thankfully the bags were packed, the car seat was in the truck, and the diaper bag was ready.

The next morning, Russell Henry was born. We were able to spend precious, sacred moments with him and with the birth mother in the hospital. These are moments we treasure deeply — ones we don’t take for granted, ones we look forward to sharing with Russell someday, and ones that continually stir us to praise God.

A Continuing Story Of Connection and Grace

Today, we’re blessed to have an open‑style adoption. We send regular updates to the birth mother, her family, and even the birth father, as they’ve requested. We’re grateful to foster these relationships so that one day Russell will know his birth parents and understand the love and sacrifice that shaped his story.

Through it all, there is no doubt that God has had His hand over Russell and everyone involved in his adoption journey. We are deeply thankful for the birth mother, her family, and Lutheran Family Service for giving us the opportunity to raise Russell and fulfill our calling to grow a family.

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!