Jared and I had discussed adoption for years but never felt like the time was right. Then in December 2007 we attended our Stake Conference when one of the speakers was from LDS Family Services. When we came home we both discovered that during the meeting we individually felt that it was time to begin the adoption process, that Heavenly Father had a special baby in mind for us.We contacted LDS Family Services and in February of 2008 we met with our social worker and began the process. In Sept 2008 we were finally in the waiting stage of the adoption process. We decided to help “find” our baby by making a second profile for the new LDS website. But we put this off for a few months, then one day I felt the Spirit confirm to me that if we did not get the new profile completed, we would not have the baby Heavenly Father intended for us. We finished the second profile and three weeks later an expecting mother contacted us.
We emailed long, detailed letters back and forth with this mother for about a month and then agreed to have phone contact with her. We talked on the phone and texted often every week for about a month and then she officially made the decision to place her baby with us. The Spirit was consistently confirming that this was Heavenly Father’s plan to all of us. We have so much love for our birthmother and she for us. The birthmother wanted us there for the birth (May 2009) and even arranged for us to have a room at the hospital.
We were there for the birth of our daughter, Aurora, and it was an incredible experience but also draining and surreal. Every day I look at my daughter and I am amazed at how much joy and love is in my life. We knew we wanted to have a family but we never realized how wonderful it would be to have our daughter and to have our birthmother in our lives (we are in contact on a regular basis). Adoption is by far the best thing that has ever happened to us and we feel so grateful for all that have helped us in many different ways to accomplish the establishing of our family! I think all the ways to “find” the child meant for you (pass along cards, blogs, profiles etc…) can work with the Spirit’s guidance.
Jared and Esther are interested in being mentors to others who are considering adoption or working through the adoption process. If you have questions or just want to know more about how it was like for them or to discuss how it is going for you please contact them at ejmedwards@gmail.com or check out their blog at http://everydayedwardsfamily.
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