Who Are We and Why Are We Here?

We are Jared and Angi, best friends first, husband and wife, and parents to the spunky dreamer, Grace, and the curious adventurer, Liam. Jared is an engineer for the U.S. Air Force and the family handyman. Angi spends her days with the kids, at home and out and about. As a couple, we enjoy dancing, board games, and day dreaming about home improvement projects. As a family, we love trips to the park, taking walks, and sharing scoops at our favorite ice cream parlor.


Adoption has been a part of our story as long as there's been an "us", but when we talked about it, it was always "when we're older", "after we have biological kids", "when we're really settled", or "when we can afford it". One day we realized that those were just excuses, and really, they were a telling way of how adoption was a Plan B for us. We were willing, and yes, we even wanted to adopt, but we wanted the American dream first. And then, if there was time and money left, we'd go for it.


That changed in November 2012. We went from thinking of all the logical reasons we could keep waiting, to wondering why in the world we were. It started by just sticking our toes in to test the water, but very soon, there we were, trying to potty train a toddler and carrying an almost one year old on the hip, looking at each other with wide eyes and wondering if we were crazy for plunging into the adoption world. It came down to simple truths. We have room in our hearts and home for another child and there are many that are waiting for families. We are not rescuing anyone;
 we don't believe adopting will earn us any favor with God, but we know that He gave us a passion for parenting waiting children and we are just following through with the work that He began in us.

It's been a crazy little ride over the past 20 months, and we're still waiting to find out who our beloved little one is. We've learned much and we've been blessed to be able to walk along side other adoptive families and experience real life with them, including the happy and the sad pieces of adoption. We know each day is taking us one step closer to China. We are honored to have such a big role in this year's Orphan Love Run and we hope that eyes and hearts are opened to the many waiting children, in China and around the rest of the world. We can't wait to see you all at the Second Annual Orphan Love Run!


To view updates throughout our adoption journey, please visit www.justtobewithyoubaby.blogspot.com