From the beginning, Amy has been at complete peace with her adoption decision.

“Lord, I know this is Your will and Your blessing and I am thankful to be able to carry it out. Lord, guide me to the next step…”

Family is such a beautiful blessing.  It’s not perfect, it takes a lot of work, and you have to put yourselves aside to be able to raise your children.  God knows my heart, He knows my desire, and He knows how I can lose track of Him in effort to control my own will.  Even though I backslide, my heart and mind always pull back towards the Lord.  I hit a rock bottom at a point in my life and inside me grew an innocent.  I had an instant fear for her as our situation was so complicated.  I went to the Lord and through prayer I heard “This is not for you.”   Isn’t He so poetic?  “Lord, I’m on board!”

In my church bulletin, there was this phone number alongside what I misread to read “Teen pregnancy and adoption helpline”.   That number was for the Pregnancy Resource Center in San Bernardino and it connected me to Raquel.  We had such a special conversation that stays with me as one of the many signs of how adoption touches people in a wonderful way, thank you Jesus!  See the word “Adoption” looks like “Abortion” and I wasn’t identifying with that or “teen pregnancy” and probably wouldn’t have thought to call there if I had read it right. Small detail but it is impactful to this bigger story I have.

Raquel couldn’t help me there but quickly said “You should talk to Michelle with Adoption Answer.”  She told me Michelle was local and I could meet with her pretty quickly.  I hung up then called Michelle while I had the momentum and questions.  Ring ring… (walking laps around the couch) ring ring… “Adoption Answer…”  Wow.  I know every one of you who have called her can understand me when I say there is something instantly special about Michelle.  I was calling for answers but admit I was concerned that I was going to be given a pitch.  With Michelle, you can tell that if your lives are going to connect that it is because it’s God’s will and not something artificial to that.  She gave me answers and made herself open and available in case I had more questions or wanted to begin the process. She concerned herself with where I was at in life and made it a point to me that she doesn’t judge me and I knew her actions were going to prove that.  Even though I didn’t feel I needed anything but answers at that moment, I appreciated that if there was something I needed she would work something out. I believe that Adoption Answer supports her to be able to do this. Thank you Jesus!  Wow!!!

Mike feels the baby kick

The connection I have with Mike and Kim went further than our adoption match.  Our friendship is God centered and what blossoms out of that is ever revealing.  They are such an amazing couple.   I feel they have put themselves out there and I respect that and see it as a gift.  I want to mention that because we spent great care over each other, there was some amazing harmony in the delivery room and after care.  I appreciate that they didn’t walk on eggshells around me and that they really trusted me.  I appreciate them for so many reasons.  It has been 4 months since I first met Emsley and I still have no regrets here, no sadness.  It has been my privilege to have gone through this.  I have given my grief of backslide to God a long time ago and do not carry that with me.  I have been polished by this experience and would do it all again if that’s what God wants for me.

I open myself up to you.  If there is something more I can share with you please contact me.  I looked for something here on the website when I begin this process but didn’t find it until I made the call for questions.  Birthmothers and fathers; take pride in the fact that you have options and it should mean something that you are looking into them.  Adoptive parents in waiting, I think about how you’re in this journey everyday and how He is working on preparing you. I think about how He doesn’t give anyone more than they can handle.  I have a strong desire to say this now; God never takes his eyes off of you and He is committed to you.  To everyone who’s connected through adoption, I am thankful to you.  What adoption is today is so beautifully faceted.   Feeling pride and satisfaction because you are a part of something beautiful teaches the world that adoption is a healthy choice and an option to consider. May God continue to touch you in your lives.

Amy with her son Nathan ` visiting with Mike & Kim and Baby Emsley.

I am not sure how to say thank you.  You have been the first people in a very long time that have really wanted to help me.  When I first decided to place my baby for adoption, I didn’t know who to call.  I called around and people were rude.  I got your number from a girl on the street that knew about you and liked you.  You were the first to make me feel comfortable.  Thank you for not judging that I live in a motel or my past.  Thank you for just listening.

The process was easier than I thought it would be because just like you said, you walked me through it step by step.  I am glad that my daughter is with such a loving family.  It hurts, but I know that it was the right thing to do so I could move forward with my life and try to get things straight.

It has been months now since my adoption took place and I thank you for still being there for me.  I don’t know what I would do without knowing you were there for me to call.

Thanks for making sure she is taken care of.  And thanks for being there for me.

~Yvonne

Leslie and Baby Charlotte

Here are the words of one of the most special young women I have had the blessing to meet and work with.  Though Leslie has the emotional maturity of a child, she was big enough to know what was best for her baby.  Showing her huge heart throughout the process, she blessed her daughter with an incredible family.  Leslie has been a joy to help.

Hi Michelle.  I am glad that you helped me find a family for Charlotte.  The adoptive parents are perfect and it’s good that she has a big sister and brother, too.  I think about her a lot, but I know she is happy with her family.  They take care of her better than I could.

I was adopted too and my family loved me so much, so I know my baby being adopted is just right.  The adoptive family is just right.

You were so nice to come and stay with me in the hospital and hold my hand during my surgery.  Everybody at the hospital was nice to me.  You were nice and so was Charlotte’s new parents.

Thank you so much for helping me and helping Charlotte.  I feel like everything is just right.

We love Kim & her kids!

 My Adoption Journey -

When I found out I was pregnant, I was in a desperate situation.  At the age of 20, I had two kids already.  The relationship with the baby’s birth father had become abusive and my family really didn’t want to have too much to do with me.  I seriously considered abortion and came very close to having one.  I thought of adoption but the first adoption agency I called was very cold and made me feel as if I was just a customer.

When I called Adoption Answer, it was different.  The voice that came from the other end of the telephone was warm and comforting – she introduced herself as Michelle.   As our conversation continued, I felt like I could trust her and that they would really help me.  I shared that I was practically homeless and had two children who I had to trust to their father’s care as I was in no position to provide for them.  They came up to meet me for an appointment and instead of leaving me homeless, began to help me that same day.

I entered into the world of adoption and looked and read through many profiles of adoptive parents wanting to complete their family.  The first two families I chose were unable to proceed with adoption – they were just not the right family.  Michelle assured me that I would find the perfect family and I will never forget when she told me that she had ONE MORE PROFILE for me to look at.  IT WAS THEM!  At first glance, this couple made me feel that they were going to be it!  As I read through the profile, I knew they were everything I wanted for my unborn child.  When I met them – this complete peace came over me.

The adoptive parents were very involved with everything.  They were and are so wonderful and I could not have asked for better parents for my child.  She is so blessed to be with them.

If it wasn’t for Michelle, Arielle and the Adoption Answer staff, I don’t think my journey through adoption would have been so wonderful.  During the six month period that I lived in the birth mom home, I was able to complete my high school diploma and am now about to graduate with my certification as a Medical Assistant.  My children were able to come and live with me.   I also began going to church and accepted the Lord as my Savior.  I thank the Lord for leading me to Adoption Answer.  I thank the Lord for Michelle having Adoption Answer as a ministry – she is such a wonderful person and helped me through so much. Recently I moved out on my own and I still call Michelle.  I continue to go to church.  I am hopeful for my future and am thankful for the peace I had through the whole adoption process and even after.

Michelle, I will always be so grateful for you being there for me through everything.  I love you.

Kimberly, age 21

One of our special birth moms - Ashley

Ashley’s Story

The first day that I came across Adoption Answer was a day I will never forget.  It would be the day that my whole life would change.  I was 24 and already a mother to three kids, but they were not in my care due to wrong choices in life.  I was homeless on the streets when I found out I was pregnant.  I was alone with no family support.  I began to scroll through the yellow pages and there I found Adoption Answer.

The first day I spoke with the Michelle from Adoption Answer,  she actually came and met me at the doctor’s office.  It was a shock to find out that I was 17 weeks pregnant.  From that first day, Michelle made sure that I was safe and that all my needs were met.  Never would I think that the relationship between she and I would be more than business, but I was wrong.   She was there for me- not just regarding the adoption but in every aspect of my life.  She helped direct me in life and was standing by my side through all of my struggles.  I couldn’t have been more blessed to have a person like her as part of my life.

In July, I gave birth to a beautiful blessing – my son.  My relationship with the adoptive parents grew to be close.  It made me very content with my choice  and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I would be lying if I sat here and told you that this is an easy thing to go through, because it’s not.  It’s only been a few months so not a day goes by that I don’t think of him or wonder what he is doing.  But when I’m hurting, I remember a certain thing the adoptive father said to me.  He encouraged me to pray, and to thank God for what I do have and to ask the Lord to give me tangible signs on what to do next.  I never really prayed before this experience, but now I do – every day.  I do miss my son, but I know that he is loved and that he has the most wonderful parents in the world.

A lot has changed in my life and it has taken a turn for the better as my three kids are back with me for good.  I’ve grown in so many ways and have changed everything about my life.  I see life in a whole different way.  I never knew that I could be capable of making such a difference in two people’s lives, but the tears of joy and happiness I saw after my son was born.  Their look – as if nothing else was around- was the warmest feeling to my heart.  It brought me to tears.  Not only will I carry on in life with a special place in my heart for my son, but also for his parents.

Michelle, as well as her daughter Arielle have a special place in my heart.  They are special people – who still are a part of my life, physically and emotionally.  We have become like family.

Ashley, age 25

 Xoatche, visiting with her birth daughter Ainsley

I came to Adoption Answer when I was 26 and 6 ½ months pregnant.  I was scared and didn’t know what to do.  I was in a four year – rocky relationship with the birth father, who is in the Army stationed out of state.  I already was a single mother to a beautiful little girl, but felt I would not be able to provide for the new child as I should.  I had no job, I was living off unemployment and my savings; which barely paid anything.  I had no support or help from my family.

I had my oldest daughter when I was sixteen and knew what I had to struggle with in raising her by myself.  Life back then was much different than now.  Now I can barely support us as we are, bringing a child into this world in my condition would have been unfair to either child.

I met with Michelle and instantly loved her. Michelle is the most loving and caring person I have ever met.  She was there for me when I needed her.

I have heard many negative things about adoption, which scared me away from it; but I now know that they were not true.  I decided to go with an open adoption and was looking for a family that wanted the same.  I wanted my child to know that I loved her; which is why I chose to give her up for adoption.  I wanted her to have the best life possible.

After meeting with Michelle my journey of placing my daughter for adoption began.  I read through several families, but found no matches.  Michelle provided me with a few more profiles to read.  I will never forget this day; I had met with Michelle earlier in the day and was given profiles.  As I sat in the parking lot waiting for my class to start, I started browsing through the profiles.  I got to one couple and my heart stopped, I knew in my heart that this was the family for my child; I cried but smiled.  I needed to look no further, I told myself this was it.  I called Michelle and told her the good news, she set up the arrangements to meet with the potential adoptive family.

We enjoyed a nice breakfast filled with smiles and tears.  Since that day the adoptive family and I have created the strongest bond. We have experienced may things together; laughter and love. They went to doctors appointments and were there for ultrasounds. They were there to see her kick the ultrasound stick, as well finding out the sex of the baby.

Just like Michelle, the adoptive parents were there for me whenever I needed them.  The bond I have with them is indescribable.  I love them like they are family.  I think what brought our bond closer was the fact that they were able to experience the birth of Ainsley with me.   I can honestly say that I could not have chosen a better family to place my daughter with.  I can truly say I love them with all my heart. They hold half my heart in their arms everyday and will always hold a special place in my heart for that.  To this day, when I am feeling sad and down; I reach out to the adoptive family, “mom & dad,” as I now call them and they know what to say to make smile and continue on.

I am able to see my daughter once a month, and boy do I look forward to it.  If I said that this process was easy; it would be a lie.  This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to experience.  The only way to describe it is – bitter sweet.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of her, BUT NEVER DO I REGRET THE DECISION I MADE.  Here it is almost 6 months later and I am still healing but not yet healed.  I can say that I have changed my life around tremendously, for the better.  With the support of the adoptive parents and Michelle I have started going to church and I am continuing my education.  I no longer think I am that selfish person who placed her daughter up for adoption, I think it was the most selfless act I could possibly do.  I never could imagine that I could make a world of a difference in one family’s life, but I did.  Seeing how much they love her (Ainsley), my other daughter and myself, puts a smile on my face everyday.

I want to thank Michelle and Adoption Answer for being there for me when I had no place to turn.  I am not sure what would have happened if God did not place them in my path when he did.  I appreciate all the love and prayers that have been sent my way, and I am truly thankful for everyone who was by my side throughout this journey.

-I love you … mom, dad, Michelle and the Adoption Answer staff!

Xoatche, age 26