An adoption story: Gehman family

We must know that we have been created for greater things,

Not just to be a number in the world….

We have been created in order to love and to be loved.

-Mother Theresa

When I hear the word, “adoption,” my heart literally beats faster. I have such admiration for families who adopt, because I recognize it’s not an easy road, but it’s worth it. I don’t know what my own future holds, but I hope and pray I can adopt one day.

I’m exuberant about introducing you to Monica and Greg and their three kiddos. I’ve been staring at my laptop screen for the last few moments, unsure of how to describe this incredible photo session. I fear my words won’t do justice in describing this sacrificial, enthusiastic family.

Two months ago, they went to Uganda and adopted Josiah who is almost two years old…wait until you see how adorable he is! He is incredibly resilient and is adjusting so quickly to America; he already adores his new family, and I blinked back tears as I watched them interact. When I looked into Josiah’s eyes, I was reminded of the street boys I worked with during my time living in Uganda. By grace, Josiah has been rescued from that difficult life that could have been.

Although Josiah has faced difficulties in his life, God took care of him each step of the way. In Uganda, he was placed in a children's home that Bethany Christian Services partners with. Through that adoption agency, Josiah was placed with Greg & Monica and his new sisters, Grace and Olivia. The girls are such cuties, and we were buddies instantly—as they led me around their grandparents’ BREATHTAKING 30 acre property. Ring around the Rosie in the woods! Such a beautiful family. And Monica, you're a great fashion co-ordinator ;) Grace loved the opportunity to spin around and be girly! As a family, they spend a lot of time around homemade campfires. So what better thing to incorporate into our session! The kids were inhaling gooey, warm marshmallows with their sticky fingers. A mouth full of yummyness! We joked that their four-wheeler is their "American version of a Boda-Boda" (the motorcycles in Uganda which are a public form of transportation.) Then we moved to the garden and shed area. Of course we had to incorporate their Uganda jerseys and the girls' darling ethnic dresses. Ahhh, it reminded me of my second home :)