Matthew Laker

We have adopted a baby boy.  Yes just like that.  We finished up a course with the Children’s Aid Society for those considering fostering or adopting (Oct 2014).  Through this course we learned more about the work of Children’s Aid Society, the need for and role of fostering and adoption. We also learned  how to walk with children through this system.  At moments this scared me, and at other moments made me cry because  of all the brokenness in our world.  People need Jesus.

We then had the last part of our home study take place, and our three our kids had short interviews.  In a meeting, a conversation took place regarding a particular case.  We answered questions and asked some questions.  After the social worker left my wife and I talked about the case.  Later we looked up a few things on-line to educate ourselves regarding some questions we had.

To be honest the whole thing happened really fast.  We were thinking we would have a long wait, but for us this is not the journey we will be taking.  From the beginning I have said lets walk the road and see where we go.  My wife was always 100%.  I tended to be let’s just take one step and I looked for affirmation along the way.

We ended up meeting with our social worker the Thursday after our home study ended, and another social worker for an interview/information meeting. We talked and asked questions regarding a case. Near the end of the meeting we were asked do we see any reason to say no for this case. My wife and I looked at each other and said, “ No.”  We then talked about potential next steps.  Then we went home and waited.  Conversations took place in the world of social workers, and we then we got a phone call that we were moving ahead.

We are adopting.

For us this is really about being able to walk alongside a child in need.  This is not about a need of fulfillment or desire to have a bigger family.  Yes we have tried, but could not, but we have always had the adoption conservation with us.  This is about being who God has called us to be.  This is about living the gospel.  This is about, we are able (not everyone is), and about helping restore a child and giving them hope.  This is full of unknowns and is scary.  We are adopting and like any journey, we do not know where it will take us.  What we do know is that God will lead us.

As of December 1, 2014 we have adopted.