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Because the adoption process is almost always a
lengthy procedure, Stephanie and Ben began the
adoption journey six months after their first child,
Ellie Kate, was born. They chose to adopt from
Ethiopia, and they were close to being matched
with a child when the country shut down
international adoptions.
The path to adoption has had its share of
disappointments and closed doors, but the Kitchens
continued to feel God leading them to adopt. After
the birth of their second child, Luke, they began
the domestic adoption process through Lifeline
Children’s’ Services.
Friends put them in touch with “Hearts of
Compassion,”– a ministry of Colonial Heights
Baptist Church that holds an annual 5K race
each November, along with a silent auction to
help raise funds for families pursuing adoption.
The ministry also connects adoptive families
and provides encouragement and support that is
invaluable, according to the Kitchens’ experience.
The Kitchens now love to return to the race each
year to gather with families and support other
families in the adoption process.
Stephanie said, “While adoption is beautiful,
it is also formed from brokenness and comes with
deep loss. When God calls us to adoption, He calls
us to step into that brokenness.” Ben reflects on a
quote from the Lifeline director, Herbie Newell,
stating “The hope is not found in our home, but
the hope is found in Jesus.”
Speaking from a mother’s heart, Stephanie
shared how she and Ben grieved for the birth
mothers’ losses. She explained that there are so
many reasons why mothers make adoption plans
for their children. Making this selfless and very
difficult decision comes with deep grief and
tremendous love for their children.
58 • NOVEMBER 2022