Tim and Lee
We began our adoption journey several years ago, and like many other families, we did extensive research before choosing an agency. We chose Russia because we already had a knowledge of and love for the country after several mission trips there. We feel like God led us to AAI and ultimately to the children He created for our family. From the very first phone call to AAI, we felt comfortable with the agency and looked forward to completing our journey with them.
Annise was the caseworker assigned to us, and we truly cannot say enough good things about her! She was there for us every step of the way and continued reassuring us that through it all we would be united with our children. We were one of twelve families that got held up during a trying time in Russia and reaccreditation issues. We had 13 months between our first and second trips and the wait was so hard for all families. Throughout our wait we felt like AAI and especially our caseworker was there for us and doing all things possible to reunite us with our son and daughter.
We brought our children home in May 2006. Garrett and Kara celebrated their 2nd and 4th birthdays the month we came home. They are truly the perfect children for our family and we are amazed daily at how well they have bonded and adjusted to their new surroundings and family.
There are so many unknowns in international adoption and it can seem overwhelming during the process. However, in the end, and now looking back, we thank God for every step of the journey, good and bad, that led us to our children and formed a forever family that is more wonderful than we could have imagined!
