In our third “behind the scenes” look at NaSHEville’s three missions, this week we hear all about Brooke’s personal adoption story of her daughter, Louie. Her, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately overwhelmingly joyous journey to and through adoption gives us insight into all the “birth pains” that this process demands. And while data estimates around 60% of Americans have had some sort of experience related to adoption, many of us still know all too little about the process.

Here are some basic stats:

• In the United States alone, 135,000 children are adopted every year.
• Each day there are around 430,000 children in foster care.
• A typical agency Home Study can take roughly about 6-8 weeks to complete.
• The full adoption process can take from 12 months to many years.
• The costs for all facets of adoption services can range from $5,000-$50,000+ depending on a number of circumstances.

With all these variables and uncertainties, many families are left wondering: can we really do this? Even if we feel called toward adoption, is it possible and is it worth the heartache and financial strain that seems to often mark the process?

Brooke admits that “this was the first time in my life I truly had to give up control; it truly was in God’s hands.”

But in spite of the legitimate fears that her adoption could fall through, when asked was this the right decision, the answer continues to stand a resounding, “yes!” She says, “We could have over-thought the decision to death, but when God tells you to move, just move.” And as he does when we follow, he showed up in countless crazy, divine ways, leading them to a successfully finalized adoption.

Brooke gives us insight into their consideration of international vs. domestic adoption, the initial anxiety of meeting and getting to know their birth mom, and how they intentionally included their biological son throughout the entire process.

Despite significant legal setbacks at several points in their fight to finalize Louie’s adoption, Brooke says nothing has laid the foundation for greater faith and discipline in all aspects of her life than the adoption process. It’s an arduous walk that demands faith and endurance and selflessness, but as Brooke so beautifully reminds us, adoption in and of itself is a living “picture of the gospel.”