Tim and Angie
While we were in the Netherlands attending seminary, we felt God leading us toward adoption. We weren’t sure if we would be able to adopt while overseas, but we wanted to try. We called an agency in Michigan and they said there was no way that they could help us. We were discouraged, but then I remembered that my sister had adopted from Adoption Associates, Inc., so we decided to call them. AAI was more than willing to help us make this adoption happen!
We considered the international program first, but being overseas complicated that process even more. After speaking to Sara, our caseworker, we decided the African-American domestic infant program was the best fit. Our profile was posted in April, Tim finished school in June, and within days of returning to the U.S. we were chosen by a birth mother! Avalien was born on July 7, and just 11 days later, we brought her home.
We had a semi-open adoption and feel privileged to have been able to meet Avalien’s birth mother. She is an amazing woman. I have so much respect for her. We tell Avalien every day how much her birth mother loved her and made this decision out of love. She will always know how much she loved her.
After the other agency said no, I was surprised at how supportive AAI was. Our social worker was always available by phone or e-mail and she never made us feel like a burden. The agency always answered our questions and were very efficient and smooth.
