Not Forgetting the Past, but Moving Forward
Over the past season, our adoption journey has been quieter than usual—not because our desire has changed, but because Amanda and I have needed time. After experiencing loss like what we have had these past few months, we have been walking through a necessary period of grieving. I would not say we are past anything, as we still have waves where it feels overwhelming, but we have taken space to process, pray, and discern next steps. Grief has a way of slowing everything down, and we’ve learned to honor that pace rather than rush through it, which is my normal posture.
We want to share an update now because, with clarity and renewed resolve, we are continuing forward in the adoption process.
Practically speaking, one of the first steps ahead of us is renewing our home study, which has expired. While it’s not a small undertaking, we’re encouraged and hopeful to have that completed within the next couple of months. At the same time, the process for us being matched with a child in Haiti continues. We are still waiting to be matched with a child, and depending on the timeline of when a match takes place we may be submitting matching paperwork in coordination with a home study, God willing.
There is, however, a newer and significant development that affects international adoption more broadly. A recent country ban enacted by the current administration now restricts international adoptions from entering the United States from 75 countries. Haiti is one of the countries included in this ban. This has introduced new uncertainty—not just for us, but for many families and children who are already well into the adoption process waiting to be united as a family.
Many of you have kindly asked if there is anything you can do to help. One tangible and meaningful action is to contact your local representatives and ask that international adoptions be exempt from the travel ban. Advocacy matters, and your voice can help bring attention to the real families and real children affected by these policies.
If you’d like to learn more or take action, you can find additional information and resources here:
https://adoptioncouncil.org/advocacy/action-center/#/31
Thank you for continuing to walk with us, pray for us, and care so deeply about this journey. We remain hopeful and grateful for what lies ahead and knowing that God has all of it in His control. God bless.
