"I was 16 years old when I found out that I was pregnant. As far as I was concerned any plans and dreams I had for my life from that day forward were absolutely shattered.
What would my parents think? What would my friends think? And what would my Christian school think? I knew I would not be able to return for my senior year. I made the decision to place my daughter for adoption through Christian Adoption Services (CAS).
Olivia Noelle was born on November 26, 2003. She filled my heart in a way that I didn’t know was possible. I held her, looked down at her tiny little face and those tiny little fingers curled around mine and told her why I had to make this choice. That this decision was because of how much I loved her and I knew she deserved the world.
That remains, to this day, the hardest decision I’ve ever made. It has also been the most rewarding.
Adoption has enriched my life in ways I could never imagine. Over the next 17 years I would meet and befriend other birth mothers who would share in my grief as well as my joys. I’ve also had the privilege of speaking to groups of future adoptive parents as well as medical professionals in order to paint a better picture of what adoption really is and what it can be. Inspired by the loving family at CAS, I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I’ve also had opportunities to help counsel numerous pregnant women who were in a crisis pregnancy situation as well as considering adoption for their child.
But for me the MOST important part of the story is that GOD took a seemingly devastating situation and HE wove adoption, in the most beautiful way, into the tapestry of my life. HE said He would not forsake me! HE keeps His promises and what a beautiful plan He had for me all those years ago.
Now I watch Olivia with her beautiful and loving family and I see the amazing young woman she is growing into.
Adoptive parents are Superheroes! Not only were they able to give our sweet Olivia the life she deserved but, in a sense, they gave me an opportunity to create a better life for myself.
Our adoption story is full of love and one that I am forever thankful to be part of. I would not want to live my life without it. Choosing adoption has greatly molded me into the woman I am today.
I’m beyond thankful for CAS and for adoption BUT MOST OF ALL for God’s unending faithfulness to His children."
-Noelle
