Ave Maria Living Magazine | Issue # 2 | October 2016

They prayed about adopting him and Mrs. McQuade
recalls, "I got Rylan, Curran, Hadyn, and Eamon
together and told them that this decision would
affect them more than anyone else in the family. I
asked them to bow their heads and close their eyes
and pray about the decision."
Then, she asked them not to look at each other and
to raise their hand if they wanted to adopt the boy.
All four raised their hands. She said, ?our family,
who at the beginning of this adoption journey had
only considered a child under three, was now
begging to bring home a 14-year-old.?
They had only a few short weeks to raise the
additional $17,000 for their second son?s adoption.
Thankfully, they found a great organization that
could help them raise money. It was called "Both
Hands." The organization, named for James 1:27, was
designed to help widows and orphans.
The McQuades found an elderly widow who needed
help with her home. They raised funds and worked
to do a complete remodel of her home with donated
supplies and volunteered labor.
Then, their completed project and their desire to
adopt two boys from China was published on the
organization's website, on their blog
12
(gettingliam.blogspot.com), and sent out in ?support
letters.? People began to donate money. They raised
$14,000.
?As you?d expect from the God we serve, the last
?Our family, w ho at the
beginning of this adoption
journey had only
considered a child under
three, w as now begging
to bring home a
14-year-old.? - Jenn McQuade
$3,000 came in the very day we left for China,? Mr.
McQuade said.
It was clear that Keane was meant for them. They
got both boys the day before Keane's 14th birthday. It
was a bit daunting bringing home a teenager who
spoke no English, especially since the McQuades
spoke no Mandarin, but Keane learned quickly. He fit
into the family perfectly. Continued on page 14