Adopting Jones
John and I have known that we wanted to adopt since before we were even married. Only a year into our marriage we found out that we were pregnant with Jac. And then we had Charis 22 months later. We knew that having two healthy babies was a huge blessing, but also knew that we were ready to say that the next children would come through means of adoption. Just before Charis turned two, we began the process of researching and learning about what our options were in the adoption world. Anyone that’s ever started that process can tell you just how overwhelming it can be! Domestic or international, private or agency, finances, grants, paperwork…it’s enough to make you wonder if you’re really cut out for it! So when we heard through a friend that there were infants right here in Memphis that needed homes – we felt like it was an obvious answer to our prayer for clarity! (Sidenote: We had no idea who to even contact about these babies, but found out that the birth parent counselor for these women was slated to be in my Bible study that fall! Crazy. God.)
Our process with Bethany went very quickly. Especially when they found out that we were open to any race, they worked with us to get our paperwork and homestudy done as fast as possible. We started the process with them in September of 2008 and by the end of November, we had a healthy baby boy sleeping in our crib. Joshua Jones Carroll was born on November 23 – a full month before we thought he was due! He was a healthy 8 lbs. 6 oz. and we were able to bring him home from the hospital where he was born…blocks away from our house. We still keep in touch with his birthmother and hope to as long as its best for her and Jones.
Jones has been such a blessing. He has already taught us so much. Taught John and I that we can love another child just as if he was born to us. Taught our children that the word “brother” doesn’t necessarily mean someone that shares your DNA. Taught our family that there is always another seat at the table, regardless of your skin color. He just turned one last month and is getting more and more personality every day! We can’t wait to continue to see who God has made him to be.
Relive or check out for the first time our Adoption Adventure of Jones at BringHomeJones.com
You guys are such an encouragement. I don’t know your family personally, but my husband & I too are feeling led to adopt here in Memphis and reading your experience has really encouraged me. Thank you.
Thanks Tiffany for your encouragement.
Adoption is so beautiful and difficult and awesome all at the same time. But it is worth and so rewarding.
Keep us updated on your Adoption Adventure.
I enjoyed reading about your story of adopting Jones and now going internationally and adopting again! God has given my husband and I the heart to adopt as well. We have 3 biological children of our own. We are adopting domestically and are in the waiting period. Reading your blog was encouraging as we are requesting an infant boy but are open to any race!
Your family is lovely and Jones is adorable. I have a question though what is the in country fee of $9,000 all about.? I have two children adopted domestically and am an expert on that process in Ontario, Canada. I am less informed about international adoption. Is this standard? The costs ($23,000) as you’ve noted for Ethiopia seem extremely undoable for a lot of families.
Good luck on your journey and I will visit this blog again.
John,
I love your story about adopting from Memphis. We are adopting from Taiwan, but are wondering if we should adopt from here while we are in the process of adopting from Taiwan. Who would I talk to about it. We are working with Bethany. Any advice would be great!!!
Thanks, Shannon McDade
I would ask your social worker at Bethany if you can adopt in the middle of your adoption and not mess up your home-study for the Taiwan adoption.
If you can, then look at timing & finances with your close friends and family and ask them to give you some feedback on your own thoughts about the situation.
160 million orphans in the world, adopting one more is important, if you can!
John,
can you please email me back I want to ask you a few question adout your adoption.
Thanks
Hey, I can’t really find anything about where you guys are located! I am an up and coming photographer and would really love to bless you guys with some family portraits if you are in the area! Please let me know~
And praise Jesus for another success!
Mae