For National Adoption Month, we are sharing the testimony of Brother Randy and Sister Karen Lee from the Hemet Branch, California.

Our adoption story began about 14 years ago. After several rounds of unsuccessful infertility treatments, I decided I wanted to be a mother more than I wanted to give birth. After researching different options and a lot of prayer, my husband, Brother Randy, and I decided to go through the county for foster-adoption. 

We had to take an 11-week class and become licensed for foster care. Once we completed that, then we had to wait until a baby became available. The waiting was the hard part. We were on the waiting list for two years and, of course, praying that God would have a baby picked out for us.

My favorite scripture has always been Isaiah 40:31: 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. 

I’ve had to wait on God for a lot of things in my life: a husband, jobs, etc. As I found myself once again waiting on God, this time for a baby, this verse brought me peace and comfort.

Eventually we learned of a 15-year-old girl who was pregnant and knew she was not able to keep the baby. My friend, who was friends with the girl’s family, told her we were interested in adopting her baby. 

Randy really wanted a boy, and I didn’t care, I just wanted a baby. But since we were able to request through the county, we said we would like a boy. We didn’t know what she was having until I took her to her first ultrasound appointment where we found out she was having a boy. It was as if God was saying, “Here’s your baby boy.” I was able to go to all her doctor appointments and ultrasound appointments with her. 

On May 26, 2010 our son, Adam, was born. I was able to be in the delivery room, and Randy got to cut the cord. It was the closest experience to actually giving birth we could have had. On December 22, 2010, his adoption was finalized and he officially became ours.

Adam has been such a joy to us. When he was born, I specifically asked God to bless him with good health and a good mind, because as a special education teacher, I hate to see kids have to struggle in school. I’m so thankful that Adam has been very healthy and is starting off middle school getting straight As. 

I will be forever grateful for the miracle of a young girl coming into our lives and letting us adopt our son. I thank God every day for allowing me to be a mom to an amazing boy.

Photo: Adam’s blessing, July 4, 2010

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.