Erik & Rachel's Story
By Carl & Sue L
Our adoption story is somewhat unique, as we completed both an international and a domestic adoption through Wide Horizons. Our journey began at the end of the year 2000, when we realized that our family was meant to be formed by adoption. We threw our whole heart and soul into the process – as did our families, which meant so much to us.
In the spring of 2001, after much research on adoption agencies, we were "sold" on WHFC after one informational meeting and talking to several adoptive couples. We immediately embraced the Ukraine Program, and within three short months of submitting our dossier, we were in Ukraine. Three weeks later, we brought home Erik Alexander, who was 15 months old at the time. Erik bonded and flourished within that first year, and became that amazing little boy who was just meant to be ours.
At the end of 2002, we were ready to bring another child into our family, and Erik was ready for a sibling! After much thought, we decided to do a domestic adoption, and became immersed in WHFC’s Domestic Program in December of 2002. After several months in the program, we were so very foturnate to be selected by a birth mother. Our daughter, Rachel Rose, was born in Kansas in December of 2003. She was placed into our loving arms on December 29th. Erik, her big brother, traveled with us to Kansas to welcome her into our family. Rachel has grown into a beautiful, happy, lively little girl – just full of personality.
Erik is now 7, and is a very bright little boy in his second-grade class. Rachel is 3½ , and attends pre-school three days a week. Erik and Rachel have become very close siblings, and the best of friends!
Thanks to WHFC for making our lives so complete!