We are adopting!

If you have clicked on this page we assume you already knew this and are 1) an interested family member or friend or 2) an adoption case worker or child advocate looking to learn more about us. Either way you have come to the right place and we are glad you are here! You can find nuggets of information and lots of pictures throughout our site. We’ve intended this page to be a more “to the point” distilled breakdown of the why, our mission thru adoption, what we value and where we stand in the process.

The Why:

“We love because he first loved us.”
I John 4:19

We started discussing adoption long before we were married. Danelle worked for Heartspring, an organization that provides outpatient therapies and residential services for kids with special needs, in Wichita, KS. Additionally, she volunteered in the Wesley Children’s Hospital once a week and was involved in the execution of Camp Quality, a pediatric cancer support camp, in the Wichita area. Danelle made it clear from the beginning and on the daily that she had a heart for children in need. I, Ryan, had always considered adoption one way to give back and when Danelle broached the idea of adopting as opposed to having biological children, I was all in.

“…In love, He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to his favor and will, to the praise of his glorious grace that He favored us…”
Ephesians 1:4-6

Being Christians, our faith informs us that we have all been adopted by grace into God’s family. If adoption is critically important to God, we felt it was something we should value highly as well. We both agreed early on that we wanted to adopt a child that was older – perhaps school age – understanding that older children are often less desirable, come with more trauma and will require more time, love and patience.

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
James 1:27

We felt the time was right to move forward with an adoption in early 2020. Had we only known what was to come. What a ride it’s been since then! Everything that was in person was transitioned online and the courts stopped hearing cases terminating parental rights. Our journey has not been without bumps, setbacks and lots of waiting. We were offered the chance to move forward with 3 siblings between 5 and 12 while we were finishing up our home study. Reality hit – going from none to three kids wasn’t something we were prepared for at that time. We’ve learned a lot, taken more classes including the TBRI training and have been forced to have those tough “what if” conversations. We’ve even explored a private adoption opportunity through a family friend and temporarily hosting families thru the Safe Families organization. Our journey continues but we are so excited about what the future holds!

Our Mission:

“Who knows, perhaps you have come to your great position for such a time as this.”
Esther 4:14

Esther was vulnerable, upset, confused and uncertain about what was going on around her. We often feel the same way about the world we live in – as I’m sure children placed in foster care do. Despite all of this, we have been given, perhaps chosen, for this incredible journey. Our mission is to adopt one to three school-age siblings with mild-moderate needs that need a loving family, stable community and a forever change to their family tree.

Our Values:

We are both Christians and value the absolute, moral and practical guidance that our faith provides. Children that we adopt will be brought up with these expectations. We currently attend and serve at Life Mission Church, a non-denominational Christian church, in Olathe.
Maintaining family relationships beyond the nuclear family is a priority. Danelle and I attend all family events and love spending time with siblings, parents and grandparents. Danelle’s family is smaller but very close – even though the closest members are a couple hours away. This family alternates holidays and events throughout the year but we are always present. My family includes more extended members. We aren’t close to all of them but see the majority on regular intervals throughout the year. I have one brother that lives close and a cousin that is moving soon but the balance live at least 2 hours away. We do lots of driving! Our house is also typically the central location for events in the Kansas City area. Various family members visit throughout the year.
Danelle and I both originate from farming families. We value an honest, hard days work. We maintain almost everything around the house and property without external support. Our children will be expected to complete a regular set of chores and help around the house as well as participate in family and church events, in addition to their school work and elective extracurriculars.
Danelle and I are both generally organized and structured. Children in our home should benefit from our built-in structure and routine. Our schedules are flexible to accommodate the various activities children may be involved in.
We both understand the incredible value and risks that come with technology and our access to information. Children will have limited access to technology appropriate to their school needs and age. Behavior and chore status may increase or decrease access to technological entertainment.
We both value outdoor time. The dogs love to go on walks, as do we. We spend lots of time in the yard, garden, biking, hiking, playing with the dogs or just hanging out.
We love to travel. Any time spent on this website should make that clear. Children in our home will be exposed to lots of different places, cultures and food.
We laugh a lot. We laugh at each other, dogs, problems, you name it. It’s a silly situation really.
We do not tolerance violence towards people or animals.
We entertain a spirit of hospitality. We host people. We serve through church events and other charities. Children in our home will be taught the value of serving other people.
We understand that the finances that we have been given really aren’t ours as everything belongs to God. Children will be taught the usefulness and dangers of money, and it’s rightful place in life through good stewardship.

Where We Stand in the Process:

We have legally adopted two brothers aged 9 (John Mark) and 10 (Luke Matthew) from the foster care system in Kansas. Visit The Boys page to meet them. We are thankful for all prayers and encouragement.

Our Home, Schools and Church: