We are humbled and excited to announce that our children are gaining an older brother!
After being a licensed foster home for 2 years, we began to shift our attention to the need for adoptive homes for older children. We completed our home study in early June and on June 20, 2023 were informed that there was a child within a local Christian adoption agency needing a forever home. After prayer separately and together, it was clear that we should be available as a possible match for this 11 yo boy. Just one short (and very busy) month later we found out that we have been matched to be a forever home for "M!" We are truly humbled to get to welcome him into our home and have his grandmother join our lives as well.
This all being said, we truly never thought private adoption would be "the plan" when adopting an older child. Because of the quick nature of our matching/placement (He will move in before school starts!) we are reaching out for financial support for "M's" adoption.
If you are able or feel led to help support our adoption in any way, please know that we truly appreciate your help. We couldn't be more excited to add another son to the Sjogren clan!
This update has been coming for some time, but grief is one of those things that needs space. Malaki joined our family at the beginning of August, and this set the stage for many events that I can't fully share to protect his story. Through God's grace and mercy everyone remained safe in our home as many details of Malaki's needs and triggers came to light. After a few weeks of pulling our community for therapy supports, insights towards trauma, and, above all, prayer it was made very clear to the case team and us that our home was not the best fit for Malaki. For the time being he is back with his grandmother.
Prayers Answered:
-genuine safety for everyone in our home
-that financial pressures from the event were alleviated through our family and friends' incredible generosity
-wisdom of how to navigate new and challenging situations to best care for Malaki
-clarity and peace of mind for big decisions
-our younger 3's resiliency and hearts towards adoption
Prayer Requests:
-that Malaki would come to know Christ and feel fully cherished and loved
-that M's grandmother would feel supported and loved in how she's caring for her grandson
-for space and time to lament our hopes versus reality
-that Phil and I will know what the next steps look like to grow our family
Thank you doesn't seem like enough for how much gratitude we have for each and every one of you that stepped in to support us. For those who don't know, even though we are no longer considered a match for Malaki we have accrued around $6,000.00 in agency and legal fees. What was given here - by the kindness of God - nearly covers the exact amount. So, truly, you each have played a very specific role in how this narrative has been written.
In the end we are saddened by the outcome of this situation, but can not stop proclaiming the goodness of God amidst the brokenness of a fallen world.
Sincerely,
Phil & Taylor
Hi, everyone!
Thank you so much for the ways you all are coming alongside our family as we get ready to welcome "M" into our home. We wanted to share an update with everyone of all that has happened in just the last few days.
We got to meet "M" for the first time last Thursday (7/27). I'm sure meeting your future family with a cluster of little kids is daunting, but "M" was so welcoming, and even took on Phil in foosball. Sophie gladly jumped in to help him beat dad. ;)
Paperwork continues to be completed this week, and (tentatively) "M" will move into our home this Friday (8/4)!
Prayer Requests:
-That God be near and provide peace to "M" and his grandma in this significant change
-That our littles extend their welcoming and joyful presence in a way that open doors for connection that go beyond Phil and I
-For patience and grace within our home as we adjust to this new normal
We continue to be in awe of the ways God has and is moving through all of this, and His sovereignty is truly evident.
