About A Boy

The miracle of adoption began for us in Krasnogorsk, Russia on October 7, 2002 - the day that has forever changed our lives.

As any couple knows that discovers they can't have biological children, it is a soul-numbing, crushing blow, made even worse by the fact that outside of close family and friends, you mostly suffer in silence (especially for the wife). No days off for bereavement and no sympathy from those who don't know what you're going through. This isn't something you want to announce. We grieved for many months before even thinking about adoption. Truthfully, it seemed like a poor consolation at the time. Both of us grew weary of people offering advice like , "there's always adoption!" They were always well intentioned, but it didn't help. Finally, when we began to look into adoption, we got the fever and quickly got excited about it.

Once we settled on Russia and found an agency we loved (Catholic Social Services of North Carolina), it took exactly nine months for us to become parents to this amazing little boy! The spirit he shows in the shot with Dana immediately captured my heart. The second I laid my eyes on him, I knew that he was my son.

But even more powerful was the awareness of something much greater. That this was what God had planned for us all along. We had only been in the room for a couple of minutes when our adoption worker asked, "So, do you like the boy?" Without hesitating I said, "I love him....this is my son....we'll take him!" When we returned to our hotel room in Moscow that night, we cried tears of indescribable joy.

There was never a doubt then or since. We can both say honestly that we are actually grateful for our inability to have biological children. There is simply no way a child could be more loved by his mommy and daddy, not to mention grandparents, aunt and uncles, and beloved friends throughout Virginia.

Christian Peter (or CP as he prefers) is a child full of wonder who loves to laugh and make others laugh. When we lived in Alexandria, he could make even the most hardened Metro rider smile. He's been surrounded by people of many cultures and languages, and has taken his Montessori education to heart by showing great enthusiasm for geography, art, and the natural world.

With all the excitement of this week's countdown to our long awaited departure, Dana and I have reflected on the incredible blessing of the past four and a half years with our son. He is a precious gift, and I give thanks to God daily for the way our little boy has changed every aspect of our lives.

Now, once again, everything is about to change and we know that what we're doing won't be easy. But our pastor is always reminding us that "the gospel should change everything," and that it should "compel us to take risks."

Lord, have mercy.