Our adoption story began many years ago in our minds. After the birth of our second son we were told that I shouldn't have any more children (medical issues). However, we wanted more children. We talked for years about adoption, but the timing just never seemed right. When our youngest son was a junior in high school, we thought seriously about adoption, but decided we were just too old. After all, just a couple more years and we'd be through raising kids.
In April 2005, we were blessed with a wonderful granddaughter. We thought that nothing could be any better and that now our desire for more children would surely go away. However, that just wasn't the case...my desire grew stronger. Although my husband still thought we were too old, he agreed to consider it. Then God gave him just the motivator he needed. A friend at work who was 50 at the time adopted a precious little boy. He witnessed first-hand the changes this little boy made in his friend's life. He decided right then that we weren't too old. When we shared our thoughts with our sons (ages 25 and 21), they were both extremely supportive. Our youngest told us to quit talking about it and "take a leap of faith." We began to research countries and agencies and finally decided (through a series of events that could only be God leading us) that we would adopt from Russia and use Adoption Ark.
We spoke with Dina in October 2006. We began our paperwork and were ecstatic that a child would soon be joining our family.
I can't even begin to describe all the emotions that were going through both of us when the caretakers brought that wonderful little girl into the room. It was if time stood still and no one else even existed. She was so tiny, quiet, and shy. We knew that God had chosen this perfect little girl for us! How amazing! Our visit went way too quickly. We couldn't wait until the next day to see her again. That visit was even better because she began to open up to us and even laughed and said "Dada". It was so difficult to walk out of that baby house and leave her there.
Three long months later (May 2007), we were on our way back to Siberia to pick up Kenzie and bring her home forever. We had court on May 14th (which was still Mother's Day in the U.S.) and got on a plane to leave Moscow with our amazing blessing on May 23, 2007 (our 26th wedding anniversary).
Almost four months later, there are absolutely no words to express the blessings this little angel has brought into our lives. She is happy, healthy, well-adjusted, and full of life! She makes us laugh every day and has brought new life back into our old bodies. She makes us realize what is truly important. People tell us how blessed she is to have us, but the truth is we are the ones who are blessed.
While adoption is a very emotional and sometimes difficult process, and sometimes you encounter tremendous disappointments (such as losing a referral), it is worth every ounce of energy and emotion that goes into it. We can never express enough gratitude to God and Adoption Ark and their in-county team for bringing our little angel to us. Our "leap of faith" lead us to an amazing blessing! She is definitely the answer to many prayers and we can't imagine life without her!
If you are considering adoption, we highly recommend Adoption Ark. They are a very professional, caring, helpful agency with the best interests of the children as their top priority. They are always available to answer questions and are truly "there" for their clients every step of the way. Their in-county coordinators/translators are well known and respected in the regions and are very helpful and caring. Adoption Ark is very committed to making your adoption journey a great adventure.
With extremely grateful hearts,
Brian, Mary, and Kenzie Crow