We decided to adopt late one night in February of 2014 as we were driving home. Though we didn&'t know it, God was moving in us individually as he was calling us to adoption as a couple. Sarah grew up in a family that provided interim care for infants during the adoption process. Her family also opened up their home to pregnant teenage mothers who were no longer welcome in their own homes. This experience fostered in me (Sarah) a deep passion for adoption and the importance of building healthy families. As we started talking about starting a family, adoption kept coming back to mind. Jose&'s desire to adopt was born out of a heart-changing encounter with the parable of the prodigal son. While studying this parable during a church weekend retreat (the weekend before that drive home in February), he was struck in a new way by the amazing love of the father in that story for both of his sons. He saw himself through that story as the adopted son and heir of God and was eager to provide the same love to another. One of the wonderful things about working with Bethany Christian Services is that it has opened our eyes to the needs of birthparents. We have begun praying for our child&'s biological parents and we hope that we and our child can have a continuing relationship with them. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! In Christ, Sarah & Jose Ocando
