My husband and I had one child and very much wanted another child. There was no medical reason that we could not have another child, but it did not happen.

We had friends who had adopted, but I thought that is not for me. After trying to have another child for about three years, God led my husband and I on a mission trip to Moldova. It was there that I feel in love with the children in Moldova and saw what a need for them to be loved and have a family. We went to several orphanages and knew that God was calling us to adopt.

We thought where will the money come from? Will we love these kids like we do our own? How long will this take?

We submitted our first piece of paperwork in August 2003 and started the process. After 4 long hard years God was faithful and had my family where we needed to be to bring the children into our home. We had so many times we asked God are you sure you want us to do this? There was always His hand that showed us the way. It was so discouraging at times wondering where the money would come from, but God is faithful and He provided.

In September 2007 we got pictures of three precious children and knew they were our kids. We got our call to be in Moldova the middle part of December 2007 and we arrived and met the children, who were in different orphanages because of going to school. We just cried when we saw them and hugged them, I am sure they were thinking why are these people hugging me and crying?

We had our court date on December 25th 2007 and what a special day for us as Christians. We had a 20 day wait period after court, we chose to stay rather than make two trips. It was hard but it gave us a chance to bond with the children. We arrived in America in January 2008. We were thrilled to be back with all of our kids.

We just celebrated 1 year in America. All of the children are doing wonderful. Our oldest Rylan (12) went back to school as usual and is a great big brother. Jon(10) is in 3rd grade because of the different language and doing wonderful. He could not even read in his own language and now he’s reading in English. Natalie(7) is enjoying being the only girl and loves school. She is in 1st grade and is reading and writing. And Matthew(5) what can I say he’s the baby and loves it. He is in kindergarten and learning to write his letters.

I would have never guessed how blessed we would be for being obedient to what God called us to do. Was it hard, did we think of giving up? Yes!! But I am so glad God is faithful and now I cannot imagine life without all my children!!

Mark and Paula Chapman