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.

I (Johnny) got a call from our local foster care agency back in the summer of 2010. She began to tell me about a little boy named J.J. “He is deaf,” she said, “and we know your family has adopted several deaf children. Would you be open to one more, or do you know of anyone interested in adopting a deaf child?”

You never know when you’ll receive “the call.”

We had just arrived at the University of Washington to attend commencement ceremonies at Husky Stadium when my husband’s cell phone rang. “I’m calling about a baby boy,” said our adoption specialist. “He was born yesterday. His birth parents chose you.”

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.