Matt and Abby

September 12th, 2011

Abby and Matt started the adoption process in October 2009, and they are now the parents of two little girls. Through much research and prayer, they decided to adopt domestically through Lutheran Social Services.

Abby said, "I would recommend LSSI because, although the paperwork and homestudy are an overwhelming thought in the beginning, LSSI helped us with each step that made the process very enjoyable. We have become close and appreciate the wonderful social workers we have been blessed to work with."

Hannah, born in 2009 was a shock as typically an adoptive family is on the waiting list for about 18 months before they are matched with a child. But Hannah, born 4 pounds and 14 ounces decided to come into Matt and Abby's lives after only 4 days of being on the list to adopt. As the process can be long and somewhat extensive, this couple was not even considering the option of being matched with a child. To their surprise after a normal day not expecting anything out of the blue they receive a phone call telling them they had a daughter. Not only were they not prepared to take home a baby girl, but they had just moved into their house and had nothing for a baby in their new home. As they spent the next few evenings in the hospital with Hannah, their love for her began to grow. "We are continually amazed at God's provision in putting Hannah into our family. She is a joy and a blessing to us."

A little over a year later, Matt and Abby were starting the process over again to adopt a second child. After being on the list for 59 days and having an adoption fall through, God provided a new addition to this family just 4 weeks later. In April 2010, Olivia was born. Olivia has a story all on her own; different from her big sister and amazingly blessed. This time Matt and Abby were able to have their own room at the hospital and were able to spend a night with her there. Matt and Abby have agreed to an open adoption with Olivia's birth mom and have sent a few pictures and stayed in contact so she can receive updates. Matt and Abby have a desire to share the love they feel and have received from the Lord with as many people as possible and they desire to minister to Olivia's birth mom and anyone else who may come in contact with their story.

Matt and Abby have walked out their days in obedience to the Lord and he has blessed their walk even though many days and nights were spent on their knees!

"We are so grateful to have worked with LSSI. They have been exactly what we have needed emotionally and spiritually when walking down the road to adoption with us. They are supportive, not only of Matt and I, but more importantly, of our daughters and their birth moms."

~Matt and Abby