Nothing about our story has been ordinary. Rather, it’s been extraordinary.

Our Once-Upon-A-Time began in 2011 when Matt reached out to Shannon via Match.com nearly 4,000 miles away in Rota, Spain. Matt embodied the two “nevers” Shannon had established with online dating: 1.) never anyone long distance and 2.) never anyone in the military. God chuckled at those stipulations, said, “Watch this,” and unfolded our most-favorite-of-all-time-in-the-history-of-ever love story ever told!

The next several months involved 6-8 hour Skype sessions that laid the foundation for a beautiful friendship that would flourish into a romantic relationship months later. God stretched us. He taught us patience. We learned to wait on Him, His will, and His timing. We married in July 2013.

Prior to marriage, we talked extensively about our mutual desire and excitement to raise a family, pour into the next generation, and work with all of our hearts to raise our children knowing the Lord. Adoption was always part of that plan. To answer a question some have asked and others have been too apprehensive to ask: “What’s your motivation to adopt? Can you have your own biological children?” Because we believe our story can bring hope and encouragement to others, we’ve prayerfully decided to candidly answer this question, especially for those who have taken the time to invest in and read our story. For reasons we may never know here on earth, God chose to close Shannon’s womb for childbearing. But we can say with confidence that God does not make mistakes. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." Psalm 139:14-15. We wholeheartedly believe His will is “good, pleasing, and perfect.” (Romans 12:2).

So now we begin the exciting journey of adoption! We’ve researched, read, and sought counsel. But most of all, we have PRAYED. God has used multiple people, circumstances, and divine encounters to lead us each step of the way. Some doors have not only closed, but seemed to slam right in our faces! Others have opened wide with a welcome mat inviting us in.

So although many details have yet to unfold, here is what we know:

• We’ve been called to adopt domestically.
• We are excited to partner with Christian Adoption Services as our placing agency, where Shannon previously worked.
• We plan to adopt an infant.

In our 3 ½ years of marriage, one theme God has continually shown us is PROVISION. We have chosen to take a leap of faith, submitting to God’s call on our hearts, and trusting that he will provide the funds, resources, and support in fulfilling this call. He has already stretched us in so many ways and forced us to get out of our comfort zone--this fundraising effort is one of those “out of our comfort zone” instances!

1.) Above all, we covet your prayers:

• For us to stay fully submitted to God and His will
• For our future Baby Farmer and his/her birth family
• For financial provision
• For us to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16

2.) Lastly, would you consider partnering with us financially to bring home Baby Farmer? You can conveniently do so here. All donations made through Pure Charity are tax deductible and go straight to our agency for adoption costs.

Words cannot express the thankfulness we have for each person who has chosen to walk beside us in this journey, whether through prayer, encouragement, or financially.

Trusting in Him,
Matt and Shannon
“But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God…” 2 Corinthians 1:9