Frisch Adoption Story
We
are Todd and Lori Frisch. We met in 1989, and married in 1995. Early in our marriage
we discussed adoption, and knew it was something we wanted to eventually do. We
wanted to have four children, two biological children and two adopted children.
We had our first child, Alissa, in 1996. Our second child, Megan, was born in
1998 and in 2002; we were blessed with Hannah on Valentine's Day!
In September 2003, we volunteered at a marriage conference and we saw Steven Curtis Chapman perform. During his performance, he talked about how he had adopted two children from China. As soon as the conference was over, we started investigating the possibilities of us adopting. We felt that this was the right time in our lives to adopt. We prayed a lot about the decision, because it was going to be a big change for both of our families, and a big dent in our wallet. In October, we decided to wait awhile because we thought the financial burden would be too great. But, God worked on both of our hearts, and in December, we discussed adoption again. We went ahead full speed.
We
went to some informational meetings to find out all about adoption. We discovered
international adoption was for us. We started in the China program, but soon found
out that we didn't qualify. Lori was too young, and then there was the income
requirements involved with China. Then, our agency recommended the Korea program
for us. We turned in our big application to Holt International Children's Services
in December 2003. In January, we completed our home study, and in February, our
paperwork was sent to Korea. Now, the long wait began.
Seven
months later, on September 10, 2004, we found out we had a baby boy! We received
his picture one day later. It was very exciting for all of us. Four months later
on January 31, 2005, our baby boy, Michael Chan, came home! We thank God daily
for this beautiful baby boy! He is a wonderful little boy, and fits in with our
family really well. His sisters are thrilled to have him home! We are in awe of
how God has worked out all the details to bring Michael home.
Now, 6 months later, we just celebrated Michael's first birthday. We are in the process of finalizing the adoption and making Michael a permanent part of our family. Our families have both adjusted extremely well. (We don't know why we were ever worried about this.) As far as the dent in our wallet, it hasn't seemed to have affected us too much, thanks to all the help we have received from family, friends, a grant, and A Child Waits Foundation. God had a plan in our lives and for Michael. He is home with his family forever. Our family is now complete.
Todd & Lori Frisch