Couple chooses adoption to grow their family

Written by Jim Edminson, Charity & Children Editor

Noah was waiting on Ali and Will to arrive. Their nearly three-hour drive was taking forever. Only days old, Noah had spent the time acclimating to his new, big world—bright lights, unmuffled noises, and waking in the middle of the night for diaper changes. His arrival was incident-free. His birth mom had cared for him well. He was healthy and already loved. He sensed her bravery in making the difficult decision to place him for adoption. She hoped his new life would be filled with many wonderful moments and memories. Now, he was ready for the Johnsons to arrive and to feel their loving arms hold him, welcoming him into their lives. He was ready to go home.

Ali grew up seeing adoption work. She has family who were adopted and babysat for two children who were adopted. She admired the parents, witnessing families who had positive experiences. It impacted her thoughts about adoption. When she and Will knew their life together was leading to marriage, they talked about adoption. After marriage, it was the path they chose to grow their own family.

"It was never an alternative," she recounts. "It was the way we would have children. We would grow our family exclusively through adoption."

Will and Ali talked openly about their plans. Their decision was lovingly embraced by their parents and siblings. The couple believe education regarding adoption is key to understanding. This attitude has been the foundation for tremendous support from family, friends, and church community.

The ride to Noah's new home was uneventful. It was dark and he slept most of the way. He was at rest. It felt as if it was meant to be. The next morning was exciting. Ali had called her parents to come for breakfast. It wasn't unusual—they are a close-knit family. Will greeted them at the door. Ali stood around the corner with their newborn boy. With great fanfare, Noah was introduced to one set of his new doting grandparents. He had no idea how his extended family would grow. He also had no idea what great gifts he would receive from them over the next months. It was a monumental day.

The Johnsons began their adoption journey after learning about Christian Adoption Services (CAS) from a minister at their church. A friend's recommendation sealed the deal. They went online and expressed interest in adopting through CAS and were invited to apply.

CAS places children in Christian homes where they are loved, cared for, protected, and honored for who they are and where they came from. For nearly 50 years, the goal has been to connect birth families with adoptive families and to find the right home for every child. CAS is licensed in North and South Carolina.

Comprehensive trainings and paperwork filled the months ahead for Ali and Will. They met other adoptive families and their confidence grew. The CAS staff and the experiences affirmed every step.

"It's different than conceiving a child," Will confides. "The only significant milestones you celebrate are the moving from one step in the process to the next. The anticipation is different. You're waiting on that phone call."

Time flew for Noah. He was now more than a year old. Unknown to him, his parents set their heart on adopting him a sibling. When the call came about Prince, the couple quickly understood things would be different. He had spent the first 45 days of his life in the hospital. A heart issue, a cardio procedure, and constant medical attention were needed before he would join his new family.

"We had confidence God would put the child He wanted in our home," Ali says. "When we were told about Prince's health concerns and the challenges he might face, we didn't hesitate. There was no reservation."

Noah noticed things were different when his baby brother arrived home. Mom and Dad were now being shared with Prince. There were doctor appointments and distractions, but there were also friends and family to help meet Noah's needs.

Things settled in time. Prince now has a good prognosis. He loves his big brother and Noah is obsessed with him. He helps Mom monitor baby brother's needs, alerts her when baby wakes from his nap, and speaks up when he thinks parental attention is required. Noah even has given his brother a special name, "Princy."

"It is amazing how God brings the right children into the right homes," Ali says. "When you accept the call to adopt, you realize you are not in control. You see His plans are perfect. Will and I are grateful to be witnesses to the miracles in Noah's and Prince's lives."

Noah's life has settled into the routine of a family of four. If anything changes, he is confident he is up to the task.