Ten years ago, I sat in a chair and listened as this brave couple shared about the long road to adoption.  They shared about the mountains of paperwork, the milestones reached and the financial investment they had made to meet their child.  They were FINALLY one of the next families in line to adopt internationally.

But a few weeks later, they learned that the country had closed it’s doors to international adoption.

Their dreams were shattered.  We all ached.  Tears were shed.  And yet, we all knew there was a little one somewhere meant to be theirs.

For 4 more years, I watched and prayed and ached with Lisa and Nate as they walked through miscarriages and failed adoptions.

And then…

Carter.  We cried as we looked at this sweet baby boy and saw how he nestled into their arms in the most perfect way.

More years passed with more heartache and loss and yet a beautiful growing baby boy.  But they sensed in the depths of them they had more little ones on the way.  And in the darkest of moments?  Isaiah.  And then finally, Silas.

Out of such great loss, these parents kept showing up, opening, extending and now?  Three precious boys call them mom and dad.

Theirs is a story of great loss and great resurrection.

Nate and Lisa – (and you precious Jarot boys!)  I could cry over the gift it is to know you and be loved by you.  Thank you with my entire life and heart for sharing your journey with me and for giving me the honor of documenting it along the way.  My goodness – you all are the bee’s knees.