The Adoption Journey

God has fashioned the Horrell family. Nothing has gone as we planned. There has been heartache, triumph, uncertain times, and amazing miracles. God has never failed us and continues to amaze us.

In May 2005 I asked a question that would change our lives forever. “Lord, do You want us to adopt?” The question came while I was in Ukraine serving orphans…and God’s answer was undeniable. Could I return home and stand in my church service with hands raised, singing to the God who created these children for His glory and yet do nothing?

Luther and I had been married a little over four years. Luther was enjoying a good career in the NFL. We had three biological children. Life was good.

Kristen and I got married in 2003. In the months leading up to our wedding we attended a series of premarital counseling sessions. In those sessions we covered topics like finances, in-laws, holiday celebrations and, of course children. At that time in our lives we had planned on having kids “someday down the road.” After all, that’s what everyone does once they’ve been married for a while.

I’m adopted. But I never viewed it as anything but positive—beautiful even. Growing up, when my friends asked me why I had blond hair and my Mom and Dad had dark brown hair, I proudly replied, “It’s because I’m adopted.” In my mind, there’s no distinction, they’re not my adoptive parents. They’re my parents.