The Sam and Ellie Adoption Fund
In the spring of 2003
we went to an ultrasound, so excited to find out if our third child was a girl or a boy.
We were thrilled to learn that we were expecting Ellie. She looked perfect
to us and in a few short minutes it felt like our world had turned pink. Those
minutes are precious to us, as they are the only memories we have of Ellie that are not clouded with the weight of uncertainty
and grief that marked the rest of our journey with her. Quickly, we learned that
Ellie’s body was slightly swollen and that that meant something was seriously wrong.
Initially doctors told us to expect that she would not survive pregnancy. But
as the weeks and months went on, and as all of the typical tests returned negative, and as we prayed and prayed and prayed,
Ellie continued to grow. Her birthday was a day of painful hope. The verse God gave us for Ellie is “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad
in it.” (Psalm 118:24) We were only given 6 days with Ellie. Because of
His presence, we were also given peace to be able to hand her to Him, comfort for all our tears and most amazingly, joy.
Several months later,
we were expecting a new baby. We were shocked to learn at our first ultrasound
at 16 weeks that Josh had already gone to Heaven.
Because our first two
children were born perfectly healthy, and because doctors were not able to find a cause of death for Ellie or Josh, they,
and we, hoped we would go on to have another healthy child. This was the desire
of our hearts and we felt God’s blessing.
Sam’s first ultrasound
was perfect, as was his second, third and fourth. But, at seven months it was
discovered that Sam suffered the same symptoms that Ellie had. Sam was delivered
early. Doctors worked tirelessly and friends and family cried out in prayer with
us. There was hope for Sam. The
hospital staff talked in terms of “when” we would take him home, not “if.” We couldn’t find rest in medical hope, however, but did find it in the verse
God gave us for Sam. “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” (Psalm 138:8) After a couple of weeks
of praying over him, kissing and holding him the best that we could in NICU, God whispered to our hearts that He was coming
for our son. All of Sam’s 17 days are precious to us.
God has provided for
us in countless ways. He has changed us, grown us, helped us and most importantly,
He has held us close. One of the ways He cares for us is through the care of
loving family members, friends, church members, even strangers. Many of them
have given money to the church in memory of Sam and Ellie. Our children’s
lives were and are His, as are the gifts that were given in their memory. It
is our hope, and we believe it is God’s desire, that those gifts will be used to start this fund to help bring orphans
into the homes of loving KCCers.
A friend once gave
me this verse: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set
their hearts on pilgrimage.” (Psalm 84:5)
Our journey didn’t end with the death of our loved babies. As I
write, we are waiting to travel to pick up our daughter from the other side of the world.
It would take another page to tell you the wonders God has done to arrange for that blessing in our lives—the
miraculous heart changes and the amazing ways He has guided and provided for us.
You have a story too. Perhaps you have traveled heartbreaking roads or you’re just intrigued about
the miracles and wonders God can work through adoption. We would love to hear your story and encourage you as you pilgrimage.
If you are considering
adoption and are looking for financial assistance, please call Families of Promise, the KCC adoption ministry, at 455-1740
x3242. Or, if God is not calling you to adoption, but has given you a heart for
orphans and families, will you consider making a donation to the Sam and Ellie Fund?
We are eagerly awaiting your call!
May God bless you!
Love,
Dan and Joni Johnson
