06/06/2026
Twenty-two years ago today, I sat at a computer writing policies and procedures for a ministry that existed only as a dream, a calling, and a whole lot of faith.
ABBA Adoption.
There was no way I could have known what God had in store.
At the time, I was focused on forms, regulations, requirements, and the countless details needed to launch an adoption agency. What I didn't realize was that I wasn't just building an organization. I was stepping into thousands of stories that would forever change my life.
Twenty-two years later, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been hard, messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding—all at the same time.
When people ask me about ABBA Adoption, they often see the adoptions, the placements, the smiling family photos, and the happy endings. And yes, those moments are precious. There is nothing quite like watching a family meet their child for the first time or seeing years of prayers answered in a single moment.
But what has impacted me most are the people.
The stories.
The relationships.
Every birth mother who trusted us with her story.
Every family who allowed us to walk beside them.
Every baby whose life became part of a larger story of hope and love.
Each one has left a footprint on my heart.
There are stories I can remember as clearly as if they happened yesterday. Stories of courage. Stories of sacrifice. Stories of uncertainty. Stories of redemption. Stories of young women choosing life in the middle of overwhelming circumstances. Stories of families waiting, hoping, praying, and believing.
I've cried with birth mothers.
I've prayed with families.
I've sat in hospital rooms.
I've celebrated placement days.
I've rejoiced over finalizations.
I've walked through disappointments, setbacks, and unexpected turns.
And through it all, I've had the privilege of witnessing God at work.
One of the greatest blessings of these twenty-two years has been realizing that adoption is not a moment—it's a lifelong journey. The relationships don't end when papers are signed or court dates are completed.
Many of the families and first mothers who came through our doors years ago have become like family to me.
I've watched babies grow into children.
Children become teenagers.
Teenagers become adults.
I've celebrated graduations, weddings, careers, and new grandchildren.
I've received Christmas cards, text messages, updates, and photos through the years that remind me that what we do matters far beyond a single day of placement.
The stories continue long after the paperwork is filed away.
And those stories are written on my heart.
As I reflect today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
Thankful for every family who trusted us.
Thankful for every first mother who allowed us to walk alongside her.
Thankful for every child whose life has been touched through this ministry.
Thankful for every staff member, volunteer, donor, advocate, and supporter who helped make this mission possible.
Most of all, I'm thankful for a faithful God who continues to write stories far greater than anything I could have imagined when I sat down at that computer twenty-two years ago.
The truth is, I still love this work.
I still cry.
I still pray.
I still celebrate every milestone.
I still carry these stories with me.
And I still believe every life matters.
As we celebrate twenty-two years of ABBA Adoption, my heart is filled with excitement for what is still to come. There are more stories waiting to unfold. More women who need hope. More families longing for a child. More opportunities to walk alongside people during some of the most significant moments of their lives.
To every person who has been part of this journey—thank you.
Thank you for trusting us.
Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your story.
The honor has always been ours.
Here's to twenty-two years of life, hope, love, and the beautiful stories still waiting to be written.
