After four years of tests, treatments, and research, the doctors said we have “unexplained infertility.” My husband, David, and I decided to pause and pray.
We took the majority of 2019 to seek God’s wisdom, and by the end of the year, He gave us peace about adoption and learning more about in vitro fertilization (IVF). We started researching adoption agencies and applied for a trial of IVF.
We were a week away from starting IVF when I found out I have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disorder that disqualified us from the IVF trial. It was hard news, but we felt like it was a God thing to find it out. It also gave us more peace about adoption.
We found an agency in May 2020, and two months later we were in the system as potential adoptive parents. But the process soon slowed down due to COVID-19. Our agency wasn’t working with as many expectant moms, so it was hard waiting again, but we had faith in God’s perfect timing.
All through this journey, we were part of a Gateway group with other couples facing infertility. We felt supported by other couples who were also choosing adoption. We continue to support each other to this day.
After 14 months of waiting, the agency said a 2-month-old was ready to be adopted. We only had until that evening to reply. After talking and praying, we said yes! They sent pictures and I instantly knew he was my son.
The next morning, September 23, 2021, he was ready to come home with us, so we had less than 24 hours to prepare! The feeling when we first laid eyes on Ezra was unexplainable. I couldn’t believe our answer to prayer was now in our arms! And on May 3, 2022, we finalized Ezra’s adoption.
The adoption process comes with ups and downs, but it’s a beautiful example of unconditional love, unity, and the blending of families. It reflects how God loves us and has adopted us into His family.
–Ashley and David Thompson
To learn more about adoption or foster care, visit gatewaypeople.com/family.