International Adoption
A great change...a family adds two new members!
Lynn and Julie started their adoption process by visiting two other adoption agencies, but did not feel the warmth and care from their staff that they felt when they first walked in the door at AAI. Being older parents, and Julie having some past medical issues, they were both concerned about their adoption application being accepted.They spoke to a Russia consultant, and she was very positive and explained that their circumstances would not make an adoption impossible, but would simply require more paperwork and information.
After the first information meeting at AAI, Lynn and Julie went home and decided, with the Lord’s help, to pursue their dream of adopting children. They knew God would guide them along the way if it was His will for them to adopt.
The Process
The couple eagerly filled out their paperwork, finished their home study, and met their International Consultant, Annise. They were very impressed by what a wonderful, caring, and motivated person she was. She was there with them every step of the way. Annise kept them well informed of everything going on and was easily accessible while they waited for their referral. Before they knew it, it was time to travel to Russia to meet their children—Ivan and Anastasia.
Travel Delays
Lynn and Julie had been planning to travel in March to bring their children home, but things were delayed. It was a difficult wait for both the couple and their children. Finally, in May, things began to look positive for them to travel, but once again they were delayed. Because of their Christian faith, Lynn and Julie knew that God would give them a court date when He wanted them to have one. It finally came in June. They left for Russia on June 25th, had their court date on June 29th, and came home to the U.S. with their children on July 4.
The Family
The family is now very involved at their school and at their church. This past Christmas, both children were in a Christmas program where they sang songs and recited verses from the Bible. The children speak English very well and are learning to read. Lynn and Julie now know that the twelve years they spent dealing with various issues and having to delay adoption was God guiding them directly toward their beautiful children—Ivan and Anastasia. They are thrilled that their dream of having a family finally came true!
More Information
For more information on our newly reaccredited Russian adoption program, visit our web site or call 616.667.0921.
