  CAS family By: Cambria Larson A connection was made. A nearby county was working on placing an eighteen month-old and I knew the foster parents. They were doing what they could to support the biological family, working towards reunification, but it was looking unlikely. Tina took a call with the county social worker and foster mom, but within a week or so, an extended family member was identified as the best option for the sweet little guy's placement. Shortly after, though, we got a call from that county social worker. There was a sibling group of 4 who had been awaiting placement. Did we have any couples interested in adopting older children or siblings? These are the moments we work for. Answered prayers of the agency, of waiting couples, of foster parents, of children who want a forever home.... Don't get me wrong. This journey was long and the process was tough. The waiting family and foster parents did not agree on everything along the way. The county required different steps than possibly what CAS would have. Despite all of it, this forever family is together and happy. Christian Adoption Services has not focused on foster-adoption. Though we collaborate with the foster care system and county offices, we have primarily served clients in the infant adoption process. Whether or not you feel called to pursue foster care in this season, we are all instructed to care for the widow and orphan. Whether or not you think you "have what it takes" to welcome an older child into your home, there are many ways you can support families who do. What might it look like for you? Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
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By Jean Nasers Link to Full Newsletter  There is no typical or “cookie cutter” situation of those who face an unintended pregnancy, and this is why it is vital that we provide education in as many areas as possible in our communities.
It has been a privilege to see firsthand how simply educating people makes a difference in our ability to change lives. From our presentations, individuals are given the opportunity to see how many unintended pregnancies end in abortion verse adoption, who are the faces of adoption (birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents), and what adoption truly entails. After being presented with these facts, they are prompted to challenge their professed thoughts and opinions on the complex issues that surround a woman’s “right to choose.” This is extremely vital because it is only in the personal conversion of hearts and minds that we as an agency are able to persevere in the work God has given us of building forever families through adoption. We are called to be children of the light. To produce every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9). By supporting us in entering our schools, pregnancy centers, clinics, and churches to provide education on adoption, you are ensuring that hundreds of people are being given the opportunity to know, understand, and possibly consider this beautiful, life affirming choice. History has shown that it often only takes a few people to change the world. At Christian Adoption Services, we are greatly motivated to change lives and make a difference. We are blessed to be supported by our community and ask that you consider supporting us in our mission of providing education on adoption. First and foremost, we humbly ask for your prayers, for this is delicate and sometimes trying work. Second, we ask you to consider any personal or professional connections you may have that would benefit from receiving any adoption education (i.e. church groups, schools, community centers). Third, that you consider directly financially supporting our education efforts through a one time or monthly donation. All of our education programing is funded completely by donors and we need your support in order to continue providing this service to our community.  By: Jean Nasers About a month ago my husband and I found ourselves browsing the television trying to decide what to watch. We came across American Idol and decided to watch. Shortly after starting, a beautiful red headed young woman named Amber auditioned. She was thirty-eight weeks pregnancy and looked absolutely stunning. The judges immediately commented on her being pregnant. Amber launched confidently into her journey of coming to the discussion of choosing adoption for her daughter, stating “if I’m not ready to be a mom, why would I put her through that?” For her audition she performed “Trust in Me” by Etta James. It gave both my husband and I goosebumps, and I may have teared up a bit. Amber’s voice is such a beautiful gift. A classic, rich tone that we rarely have the opportunity to hear these days. I was so moved by this performance because her maturity and confidence in her decisions were evident. She understood that she was not “giving up” her child or “taking the easy way out,” but she was putting her daughter’s needs first. As someone who is constantly told that adoption is seen as something for those who do not love their child or as something that should not even be discuss, it was refreshing to see a modern story of loving sacrifice and a truly selfless choice broadcasted in such a public arena. It sometimes feels and appears that we are doing an upward battle promoting “the other choice” in today’s culture. It can seem hopeless sometimes, but then you see a story like Amber’s. A story of a woman who was broken and found her inner strength to make a life affirming decision for her daughter and gave a family the opportunity to have a child. What a positive and courageous choice! The first performance that Amber gave on American Idol after her daughter was born was “Rise Up” by Andra Day. She had a remarkable and stunning performance, filled with emotion and passion. She did make it though to the top 40 on American Idol but sadly did not make it to the top 20 (Final Performance). I hope that she continues to pursue her dream of being a performer and share her beautiful gift and story with the world. I know that my husband and I have become big fans and hope to see her succeed! Hearing the Stories of Birth Parents on Brave LoveThis is part of a previous interview with a birth mom. One thing the social workers are often asked by prospective couples is how the expectant parents choose the family, or what things stand out to them when looking at a profile book or reading letters. It's different for every expectant parent, but here is what one birth mom said when reflecting on her experience....  What drew me to them... I wanted *Ethan to grow up in a similar way as our other kids. Seeing their pictures and reading their story probably 100 times just to make sure there wasn’t something I missed or that stuck out that didn’t feel right. Every time I read it I got a little more reassurance and felt some kind of connection to them. I had shared with Mike the link to take his time to see if any of the couples stood out to him. I had picked my top ones and he had then picked his 3. We had not shared with each other who we liked until one day at the same time we shared with each other and Jason, Alexa, and Carson (their son) were at the top of both our lists! I liked that Carson was the same age as my other son. The things they initially shared in their story about Carson spending time with dad learning things, as well as time with mom cooking, etc were similar to how I wanted him to be: well rounded in that way like my other kids. Upon meeting them for the first time, they were easy to talk to. Alexa reminded me of Mike, being more outspoken, and Jason reminded me more of myself, being maybe more shy/conservative in a way. We also found we have a lot of similar interests! There was some connection I felt with them right away. I also really liked how they had been through [an adoption] before and the openness they had with not just Carson’s parents but that his grandparents were in contact as well. Not one day has gone by that I have regretted picking them!
PS When we FaceTime or get together Carson and my son are like 2 peas in a pod and kind of like long lost friends in some weird way. They talk to each other right away and had done that from the first time they talked/met. It’s like another way God is reassuring me that this was how it was meant to be. *Names changed for confidentiality  Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Minneapolis, MN! I was born and raised in the cities and will always be a city girl at heart! Where are you going to school and what are you planning to pursue upon graduating? I am currently attending North Dakota State University. I will graduate with a bachelor's in Health Services and plan to continue on with my education and get my Master's in Social Work somewhere in the cities! What drew you to adoption and interning with CAS? Some of my closest friends were adopted and I have always admired the adoption process and the amazing gift it gives families. When deciding what I wanted to do for a career, working with an adoption agency always had a special place in my heart because I love working with others and impacting their lives in such an amazing way. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? When I'm not working I love to spend time with friends and have game nights or stay in and watch movies on DisneyPlus! Can you share a favorite quote or something that inspires you? "Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible" Inspired by Luke 1:37 and Phil 4:13. This quote has always inspired me because not everything in life comes easily, but with faith in the Lord there is nothing you can't accomplish. Nicole is our first intern from NDSU! We are currently accepting applications for the fall.  Where are you from originally? I grew up in a small town in southern Minnesota. Where are you going to school and what are you planning to pursue upon graduating?I am currently attending the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota with majors in social work, psychology, and pre-occupational therapy. After graduation, I am planning to become an adoption social worker. What drew you to adoption and interning with CAS? I originally became interested in adoption after a taking a mission trip to Ukraine and working with kids in the orphanages there. I have always loved working with children and seeing their lifestyle in that environment really inspired me onto this path. I chose interning with Christian Adoption Services because of my interest in becoming an adoption social worker, but also because my faith is extremely important to me and their mission statement fits my beliefs in the importance of a good Christian home as a foundation for a child. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? In my free time I enjoy reading, playing sports, and traveling. Can you share a favorite quote or something that inspires you? “God changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls, and coal into diamonds using time and pressure. He’s working on you too.” This is a quote by Rick Warren that really motivates me in the midst of hardship and trials because it reminds me that God is using these circumstances to form me into the person he desires me to be, and that without times of challenge and discomfort, I will never reach my full potential. Averi is our first intern from University of Mary, and we are so grateful for our Bismarck office already having the opportunity to pour into the next generation of social workers. We are currently accepting applications for the fall.  Where are you from originally?
I grew up in lakes area in the city of Fergus Falls, MN. Where are you going to school and what are you planning to pursue upon graduating? I am currently attending Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and I am pursing social work. I hope to be working in an adoption agency or even explore medical social work post graduation. What drew you to adoption and interning with CAS? I myself am adopted from Mexico and have always been interested in the process of adoption. I stand for everything that CAS believes in and I am very honored to be interning here. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, boating, skilling in the winter and keeping up with the Fargo Force. Otherwise going to a variety of concerts, doing art projects and traveling. Can you share a favorite quote or something that inspires you? I am a part of the campus ministry Chi Alpha and this year has been about breaking the darkness on campus with God's love. So the verse I am sharing is Isaiah 60:1-3 “Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, BUT the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn”. To me this verse is a great reminder that God will forever be on his thrown and we will always be in his light. We are thrilled to have Lilly this spring, as well as Nicole who started part-time and Averi in Bismarck (her post will be up soon!). We are currently accepting applications for the fall. By: Jason and Allison Our journey to parenthood was long—filled with starts and stops, hope and sorrow, struggling to yield to God’s sovereignty, and finally finding a good deal of contentment, trusting in God’s perfect plan for us. In many ways, the fact that this road did finally bring us to parenthood was a surprise—an unexpected gift, but one that brought us tremendous joy. In the last year, God doubled that joy—again surprising us. We had been married for 18 years when God gave us our son Joshua in December 2015 through adoption, and we thought he would likely be our only child. The cost of adoption is significant, and we were not sure that it would be possible again. In addition, we were both 41 when he came home, and we knew that agencies have age restrictions for those seeking to adopt a child. Although the thought made us a little sad, we genuinely believed that our family of three was complete, and we sought to savor every moment—every first, every milestone, and every new experience.  But God…In the summer of 2017, God moved us to North Dakota, and the desire to give our son a sibling stirred in us. That desire grew and grew, and we believed God was leading us to explore the possibility of adopting again. On the recommendation of friends who had been among Christian Adoption Services’ first families placed with a child, we contacted CAS to see if indeed it might be possible to add to our family. In February 2018, we began the home study process. By July, our home study was completed. We so appreciated how [CAS] worked quickly for us, knowing how important it was to move on this desire and direction from God. Because our son is African American and we were seeking to give him a brother or sister who looked like him, we applied to an out-of-state agency for placement of a child.  The Lord moved—and He moved quickly. While we had some money saved, it was through foundation grants and gifts from generous family and friends that our adoption was fully funded by early October. Our out-of-state agency began showing us to expectant mothers in early November. In mid-January, we were notified that an expectant mom had chosen us to parent her baby. Just a few days later, our daughter was born (a month early!), and by the end of the month, our Mercy was placed in our arms. God is so good! We are in awe of how God worked on our behalf. We did not know if we’d ever have children at all, and God has given us two precious ones. Sometimes that thought still overwhelms us! We are grateful for CAS and for how they worked with us—first to complete our home study, then to recommend an out-of-state agency, and then in our post-placement time. Our journey to Mercy was filled with God’s clear leading and provision, and she is a gift to all three of us. There will never be adequate words to express the gratitude in us for God’s good plan for our family and His sweet and gracious gifts. Invest in families like Jason and Allison on Giving Hearts Day, February 13th. Your gift of $10 or more is matched by generous donors to further the mission of displaying God's love to babies, birth parents and families in North Dakota and Minnesota.   I allowed myself to focus on the fears that played out in my head: "What if they change their minds?" "What if it confuses him?" "What if he uses it against us?" Then slowly, through prayer and CAS educating us on the benefits of openness, the Lord started changing my heart from a focus of fear to one of hope for relationship.
My initial hesitancy toward openness evolved into a strong desire for it. We were eventually chosen by the sweetest birth parents who also desired openness. What an incredible blessing it has been.... Continue reading Christmas newsletter As we wrap up National Adoption Month, we reflect on the tough stuff of adoption. Yes, this is a month to celebrate the beauty that is a family coming together, but we don't forget that it is often forged out of a heartache. This is absolutely a month for sharing positive adoption language, because without it we perpetuate the negative stigma for birth parents and adoptees. However, we acknowledge some adoptees are processing how they feel about their own story. Their love for their parents may be strong, but it may still come with doubts and frustration about the choices other people made for their life. We'll close this month with a reflection on bonding from one of our adoptive moms. We hope that no matter where you are in the adoption circle, you can come to appreciate the love shared in this difficult journey...  Dare I say it out loud? Am I willing to speak my reality when it seems as though no one else is talking about it? For me, bonding didn't happen immediately. In a lot of ways, it has come more intentionally than naturally. Sometimes it was downright hard and I found myself grieving the loss of the fairytale idea that love flows easily.
But there is so much beauty in our story. There is comfort in knowing that love doesn't just happen or not... and if not, then what? There is hope in knowing that love is a million tiny choices all strung together. Many of my choices were not made out of innate and immediate boundedness, but rather, out of the vision I have for the relationship I desire with my son in the future - and making choices now that actively lead us there. Thankfully, in other ways it has felt so beautifully natural to love him. In fact, as he has grown, there has been an obvious shift. The momentum of bondedness has taken off and the moments of natural closeness have started to outweigh the need for intentionality and suddenly all those moments of actively making the choice to love all seem more than worth it! It's okay, healthy even, to acknowledge when love doesn't flow easily. I can tell you that there is rich reward in the choice to let it grow intentionally. My heart beams when I can honestly say my love for him is deep and rich, and it's much more real than a fairytale. |
CASWorking with expectant parents who want to make a life-affirming decision. Preparing couples to grow their family through domestic infant adoption. Archives
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