Justin and Cathleen
Dear Landon,
Where do we start and how do we put our thoughts into words about the miracle we found in you? Born worlds apart, we are thankful to God for joining us together. For ten years we were married and prayed that God would bless us with children. We could never have planned our life more perfectly nor imagine that we would wait ten years for the precious blessing of you. And you were definitely worth the wait. God had our life perfectly planned for you and your life perfectly planned for us. We both have an adoption story in totally different ways.
Back in March of 2008 you were born and God already had us preparing the adoption paperwork to bring us together. We started in September of 2007 with our home study. This is the step that involves homework and interviews to make sure we are fit parents—yes, we are government approved to be parents. After that step was done, we had to assemble many more documents—basically our whole life on paper: income, house, medical history, personal history, religion, criminal record (or lack thereof), etc. All this information comprised our dossier. About the time you were born over 7,600 miles away we had a delay in the process. Our dossier was held up in Washington DC. With lots of prayers by us and many loved ones, we waited patiently for God’s will in this—knowing that all delays were a huge part of the bigger plan to bring us to you. Then in June, we received a call that our dossier was approved with a few minor changes.
Now more waiting, our paperwork has to go through more steps in Kazakhstan. Then in late September, Dad’s phone rang at the office and it was Chandra (our caseworker at Adoption Associates) and she said that they had a travel date and region for us. Landon, we were getting ready to meet you. Perfectly meant for us, you were a healthy baby boy waiting for your new parents. We were so excited to meet you and anxious to get everything ready to go in three weeks.
On October 31, we left for Almaty, Kazakhstan to meet you. The process involved a 14 day bonding period and then the court date ten days later. After court, there was a 15 day appeal period and then you become ours. On November 3, we flew up to Astana and drive to Shchuchinsk to meet you. We were told that we wouldn’t meet you until the next day, so we weren’t “prepared” but we were so excited. We had never seen a picture of you and couldn’t wait to meet you in person. In our eyes, you were perfect. You fit right into our family and we couldn’t think of a more precious, adorable child. You were curious about these funny sounding people who seemed to dote on you. You cried a little because you were scared. We cried a little because we were overwhelmed. It was hard to believe that we were holding the child for whom we had waited so long. People were already saying you looked like Dad and had Mom’s eyes.
Now, we drove another hour to our accommodations in Kokshetau. We couldn’t wait to e-mail home to tell your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends all about you. Once your picture was sent over the internet, we received many responses from everyone that fell in love with your picture. Your new family was such a great support to Dad and Mom while we were gone, I am not sure they will ever know how thankful we are for their love and prayers.
The 14 day bonding period went really well. Every day you seemed to recognize us more and more. Many people couldn’t believe that we would be in Kazakhstan for a whole month, most programs don’t require this much time in country. We were so thankful for this time with just us and you. There were no distractions and you came to know us as Mom and Dad. With the bonding period done and final approval at court, we were ready to go home. We said good-bye on November 29 and headed home December 1. We missed you a lot. We had really grown to love you and couldn’t wait to bring you home to meet the rest of your family. You had such a huge place in our hearts already.
Of course, we had to wait again; wait for the 15 day appeal period to be done and wait to travel back to Kazakhstan on December 17 to get you. Many questions in our minds: Will you remember us? What will you think about leaving the baby house? How will you feel about going outside? Putting on a snowsuit? Riding in a car and airplane? Leaving the only home you know? All of our fears were put to rest when we walked in the baby house and saw you sitting in your chair. You looked up at Dad with a big smile, and when he tickled you the way you remembered, you really seemed to recognize both of us. You melted our hearts again. Now all we needed to do is get your visa and head back to the U.S.
We missed Christmas at home, but you were the best Christmas present we ever received. On December 26, we headed home with God’s newest blessing to our family. After 17 total airplane rides, over 100 hours on planes and in airports, and somewhere between 35,000 and 40,000 miles, our journey came to an end in Grand Rapids. When we got off the plane in GR, we were met by security. They said that we had to go last because there were so many people wanting to meet you that we had to let the other passengers go through first.
Landon, we really wish you could remember the awesome homecoming you received. God has given you so many wonderful relatives and friends that were so excited to meet you. You’re too young to realize how much you were loved, but we understood and cried at the 150 people that met us in the airport, as well as the many handmade and professional signs showing their love and joy. Now we are all home and adjusted, the overwhelmed feeling has not changed. Trying to fully cherish every Moment with you; it’s hard to put you to bed knowing that tomorrow you will be a day older. We watch you in bed every night and marvel at the miracle of you. We cannot fully grasp the awesome providence of God that brought us together. God knew about you when we prayed for children all these years. God knew our family would grow through adoption. God knew His perfect plan; God knew the perfect timing and God knew our family needed you. We pray that you grow up and see that too. We love you so much, Landon, and we know that God loves you too.
With all our love,
Dad and Mom
February 18, 2009
For More Information
To learn more about our Kazakhstan adoption program, please visit our Kazakhstan adoption page, call 616.667.0921, or request a free adoption information packet.
