Our names are Brad and Connie. We were married in 2000. Connie brings to the family 2 children from a previous
marriage. Brad has been a great stepfather to the children. We wanted to have a child together. After
2 miscarriages and a failed in-vitro, sadly Connie had to have a hysterectomy in 2003. The dream of another child seemed
bleak. . .
Then Ivan came into our lives unexpectedly in April 2004! Connie had met several
families that had hosted and become forever families to orphans from Russia. It was amazing to see how much these children
had overcome and accomplished in a short time.
So one day, Connie asked one of the mothers for the phone number to Family Hope International. They sponsor the
program and day camp the children attend while they are here in search of a family. Once that phone call was made, it
became more than just an interest. When we received the pictures we were immediately drawn to Ivan. He had the
dark hair and eyes, and what looked to be a tear in his eye. (It is now pretty clear that he is just all
boy and was probably made to wash his face for the picture, you can see the lines the water made on his face.)
But we still have fallen in love with him and can not wait to meet him!
Our family is hopeful about adopting Ivan. We have been working very hard to come up with the $25,000 it takes
to go through the process by applying for grants, fundraising and putting in as much time as possible at work.
We know there is little or no opportunity for a better life if Ivan remains in Russia, not to mention growing up without
love or a family. We know bringing Ivan into our family will not only change his life, but enrich ours as
well.
(READ MORE. . . )
Thank you for taking the time to share in our adoption journey!!!
Please check back for Updates and be sure to
check-out Our Projects page to see what we're working on!
