We love Kim & her kids!
My Adoption Journey
When I found out I was pregnant, I was in a desperate situation. At the age of 20, I had two kids already. The relationship with the baby’s birth father had become abusive and my family really didn’t want to have too much to do with me. I seriously considered abortion and came very close to having one. I thought of adoption but the first adoption agency I called was very cold and made me feel as if I was just a customer.
When I called Adoption Answer, it was different. The voice that came from the other end of the telephone was warm and comforting – she introduced herself as Michelle. As our conversation continued, I felt like I could trust her and that they would really help me. I shared that I was practically homeless and had two children who I had to trust to their father’s care as I was in no position to provide for them. They came up to meet me for an appointment and instead of leaving me homeless, began to help me that same day.
I entered into the world of adoption and looked and read through many profiles of adoptive parents wanting to complete their family. The first two families I chose were unable to proceed with adoption – they were just not the right family. Michelle assured me that I would find the perfect family and I will never forget when she told me that she had ONE MORE PROFILE for me to look at. IT WAS THEM! At first glance, this couple made me feel that they were going to be it! As I read through the profile, I knew they were everything I wanted for my unborn child. When I met them – this complete peace came over me.
The adoptive parents were very involved with everything. They were and are so wonderful and I could not have asked for better parents for my child. She is so blessed to be with them.
If it wasn’t for Michelle, Arielle and the Adoption Answer staff, I don’t think my journey through adoption would have been so wonderful. During the six month period that I lived in the birth mom home, I was able to complete my high school diploma and am now about to graduate with my certification as a Medical Assistant. My children were able to come and live with me. I also began going to church and accepted the Lord as my Savior. I thank the Lord for leading me to Adoption Answer. I thank the Lord for Michelle having Adoption Answer as a ministry – she is such a wonderful person and helped me through so much. Recently I moved out on my own and I still call Michelle. I continue to go to church. I am hopeful for my future and am thankful for the peace I had through the whole adoption process and even after.
Michelle, I will always be so grateful for you being there for me through everything. I love you.
Kimberly, age 21
One of our special birth moms - Ashley
Ashley’s Story
The first day that I came across Adoption Answer was a day I will never forget. It would be the day that my whole life would change. I was 24 and already a mother to three kids, but they were not in my care due to wrong choices in life. I was homeless on the streets when I found out I was pregnant. I was alone with no family support. I began to scroll through the yellow pages and there I found Adoption Answer.
The first day I spoke with the Michelle from Adoption Answer, she actually came and met me at the doctor’s office. It was a shock to find out that I was 17 weeks pregnant. From that first day, Michelle made sure that I was safe and that all my needs were met. Never would I think that the relationship between she and I would be more than business, but I was wrong. She was there for me- not just regarding the adoption but in every aspect of my life. She helped direct me in life and was standing by my side through all of my struggles. I couldn’t have been more blessed to have a person like her as part of my life.
In July, I gave birth to a beautiful blessing – my son. My relationship with the adoptive parents grew to be close. It made me very content with my choice and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would be lying if I sat here and told you that this is an easy thing to go through, because it’s not. It’s only been a few months so not a day goes by that I don’t think of him or wonder what he is doing. But when I’m hurting, I remember a certain thing the adoptive father said to me. He encouraged me to pray, and to thank God for what I do have and to ask the Lord to give me tangible signs on what to do next. I never really prayed before this experience, but now I do – every day. I do miss my son, but I know that he is loved and that he has the most wonderful parents in the world.
A lot has changed in my life and it has taken a turn for the better as my three kids are back with me for good. I’ve grown in so many ways and have changed everything about my life. I see life in a whole different way. I never knew that I could be capable of making such a difference in two people’s lives, but the tears of joy and happiness I saw after my son was born. Their look – as if nothing else was around- was the warmest feeling to my heart. It brought me to tears. Not only will I carry on in life with a special place in my heart for my son, but also for his parents.
Michelle, as well as her daughter Arielle have a special place in my heart. They are special people – who still are a part of my life, physically and emotionally. We have become like family.
Ashley, age 25
Finding the PERFECT Family
(Here is a picture of Xoatche, visiting with her birth daughter Ainsley)
I came to Adoption Answer when I was 26 and 6 ½ months pregnant. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. I was in a four year – rocky relationship with the birth father, who is in the Army stationed out of state. I already was a single mother to a beautiful little girl, but felt I would not be able to provide for the new child as I should. I had no job, I was living off unemployment and my savings; which barely paid anything. I had no support or help from my family.
I had my oldest daughter when I was sixteen and knew what I had to struggle with in raising her by myself. Life back then was much different than now. Now I can barely support us as we are, bringing a child into this world in my condition would have been unfair to either child.
I met with Michelle and instantly loved her. Michelle is the most loving and caring person I have ever met. She was there for me when I needed her.
I have heard many negative things about adoption, which scared me away from it; but I now know that they were not true. I decided to go with an open adoption and was looking for a family that wanted the same. I wanted my child to know that I loved her; which is why I chose to give her up for adoption. I wanted her to have the best life possible.
After meeting with Michelle my journey of placing my daughter for adoption began. I read through several families, but found no matches. Michelle provided me with a few more profiles to read. I will never forget this day; I had met with Michelle earlier in the day and was given profiles. As I sat in the parking lot waiting for my class to start, I started browsing through the profiles. I got to one couple and my heart stopped, I knew in my heart that this was the family for my child; I cried but smiled. I needed to look no further, I told myself this was it. I called Michelle and told her the good news, she set up the arrangements to meet with the potential adoptive family.
We enjoyed a nice breakfast filled with smiles and tears. Since that day the adoptive family and I have created the strongest bond. We have experienced may things together; laughter and love. They went to doctors appointments and were there for ultrasounds. They were there to see her kick the ultrasound stick, as well finding out the sex of the baby.
Just like Michelle, the adoptive parents were there for me whenever I needed them. The bond I have with them is indescribable. I love them like they are family. I think what brought our bond closer was the fact that they were able to experience the birth of Ainsley with me. I can honestly say that I could not have chosen a better family to place my daughter with. I can truly say I love them with all my heart. They hold half my heart in their arms everyday and will always hold a special place in my heart for that. To this day, when I am feeling sad and down; I reach out to the adoptive family, “mom & dad,” as I now call them and they know what to say to make smile and continue on.
I am able to see my daughter once a month, and boy do I look forward to it. If I said that this process was easy; it would be a lie. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to experience. The only way to describe it is – bitter sweet. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of her, BUT NEVER DO I REGRET THE DECISION I MADE. Here it is almost 6 months later and I am still healing but not yet healed. I can say that I have changed my life around tremendously, for the better. With the support of the adoptive parents and Michelle I have started going to church and I am continuing my education. I no longer think I am that selfish person who placed her daughter up for adoption, I think it was the most selfless act I could possibly do. I never could imagine that I could make a world of a difference in one family’s life, but I did. Seeing how much they love her (Ainsley), my other daughter and myself, puts a smile on my face everyday.
I want to thank Michelle and Adoption Answer for being there for me when I had no place to turn. I am not sure what would have happened if God did not place them in my path when he did. I appreciate all the love and prayers that have been sent my way, and I am truly thankful for everyone who was by my side throughout this journey.
-I love you … mom, dad, Michelle and the Adoption Answer staff!
Xoatche, age 26