Our Story


A few years into our marriage, we were broadsided with infertility. It didn't align with the plans we thought God had for us and, certainly, contradicted what we deemed good living. We prayed and screamed and begged God to do what my body seemed so resistant to do.

When medical intervention didn't work, Ben and I closed the door to treatments and fell into a valley darker than I could ever describe. For months we cried and questioned and watched everyone around us have babies. Barrenness is a monster. It's unpredictable and menacing and grips your heart so tight it nearly takes your breath.

As it turns out, I was not born to have babies...but I was born to be a mother.

Fast forward ten years and my heart is as big as the bus I drive. God could have healed my body to produce life...but, I understand why he didn't. He needs us. God needs families to say, "yes" when others can't...or won't.

In 2009, we adopted our sweet Tyrus through domestic adoption and have a wide-open relationship with his mom (also named Rebekah). We were only a few months into parenting, when God started stirring our hearts toward foster care adoption. In 2012, we brought a near-twin brother home for Ty and declared LJ the newest member of our family after finding him on Michigan's website for waiting children. His eyes were sad and cries haunting. He didn't smile or laugh or give in to tickles. Due to no fault of his own, this little boy had been robbed of the past that every child deserves. We knew we had to do more.

In 2014, we brought home a sibling set of two. Cisco was two months younger than LJ, giving us three boys the same age; his baby sister, Edie was only a few months old. There were stretches of days in that two year period, before their adoptions, that God carried us from moment to moment. We were barely surviving when the agency called and told us about Hunter, Cisco and Edie's baby brother. 

If you read through my years of posting, you'll find that our walk has not been easy, nor our hearts always faithful. We are real people, facing real challenges, trying to trust God as we go. Raising kids is hard. Raising five close in age seems impossible, but there is fullness in the chaos and peace surrounding our packed table.

When I look back and see all that has been in our life up to now, it's a little hard to believe.

Thank you for reading and walking this road with us.

There are still so many children waiting for rescue...







10 comments:

  1. I realize it may never be complete as God is always doing something in this journey but I can't wait to read this post. Thinking of you sweet friend and thanking God for your heart.

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  2. Love...I know the story well and tears are still welling up...love you guys!

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  3. I see some sandals beside LJ up there! Is there another? I love this story! Y'all are amazing!

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  4. Your story is extraordinary. Your family is beautiful. Best to the four of you always. Pictures are gorgeous. Two happy Lil men = two happy patents!!! Best!!!

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  5. I LOVE the new pictures! Your story is encouraging as I pray for friends who hurt so deeply with infertility. As each month goes by she feels broken, I pray God gives her opportunity to be a mother.

    Praying for your beautiful family,
    Kim M
    Waterford, Mi

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  6. You are an inspiration.I love the new pictures too. I love the look of adoration on LJ's face as he looks up at his beautiful mom. My prayers are with you and your dear family!

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  7. What a beautiful family you have...i work in foster care and it warms my heart to know there are moms out there like you willing to open your heart and home. it makes the job easy for sure! thank you!

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  8. Thank you so much for sharing God's story in your family. Love your honesty and openness.

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  9. What an inspirational story. Just like births, adoptions come with their own set of experiences, memories and trials...and of course, joys and rewards. I love your comment about how God needs families to say yes when others won't. Thank you for sharing.

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