Luis, Dad

On Christmas Eve, the world grows quiet in a way it rarely does. The lights glow softer, the noise fades, and hearts turn toward a manger. Toward a Savior who entered the world not in comfort, but in need.

Before my wife, Kellie, and I ever stood at an altar and said I do to one another, we had a conversation about what our future might hold. In that conversation was a hope, one we couldn’t yet fully see or understand, but one we felt deeply. We talked about adoption.

We didn’t know all the details at the time. We didn’t know the road would also lead us to foster care. But even before our wedding day, we knew that when we said 'I do,' we were also saying 'I do' to orphans.

Both Kellie and I have been redeemed and adopted by Jesus. We were once in need, once lost, once without hope until He wrapped us in His grace and called us His own. And because we have been adopted into His family, we knew we wanted our lives to reflect that truth.

What we didn’t realize then was that this conversation would open the door to one of the greatest blessings we would ever experience… the privilege of loving children who are in the greatest need.

As Christmas morning arrives and we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that He came not as a King in a palace, but as a child who needed to be held, protected, and loved. In many ways, fostering and adoption have allowed us to step into that sacred space, to be the arms and feet of Jesus to children He died to redeem.

Through this calling, we have adopted four children. Two more have lived with us for almost nine years. And there have been several others who passed through our home, children we loved deeply, nurtured faithfully, and eventually watched return to their forever families.

There are challenges, of course. Anytime you step into someone’s life, there will be difficulty. Brokenness doesn’t disappear overnight. But when you know you are walking in the will of the Father, every challenge becomes worth it. Every sleepless night. Every hard goodbye. Every moment of uncertainty.

Because obedience always bears fruit.

We are endlessly grateful for the children God has placed in our lives, children we would never have known had we not stepped into this world. They have changed us. They have taught us. They have shown us the heart of God in ways we never expected.

This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the One who adopted us into His family, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. We have been infinitely blessed, and we will forever be thankful for each child God has entrusted to us.

May this season remind us all that love begins with stepping in, opening our arms, and saying yes just as He did for us.