In March 2024, as we prepared to begin a frozen embryo transfer cycle, we were completely surprised by an incredible blessing—a spontaneous natural pregnancy, our first since 2019. We praised God and hoped this would be the baby we’d finally bring home. However, the day before leaving for the Moms in the Making leader retreat in April, I underwent a D&C for that precious miracle baby boy. I still attended the retreat, but I was consumed with anger and grief. I couldn’t bring myself to worship or sing, and I often had to step out of sessions because I couldn’t hold back my emotions. Yet, the leaders at the retreat surrounded me with love—they prayed for me, sat with me, and cried alongside me. As my heart began to soften, I was able to sit with the Lord and start my healing journey.

In the two weeks following the retreat, I felt a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit leading us toward adoption. This time brought my husband and I closer together, but it wasn’t without challenges. Despite our efforts, delays pushed our home study approval from August to October/November.

In October, I attended my fourth MITM conference in Texas. To my surprise, women from my local MITM group, along with some of the leaders who had supported me months ago at the retreat, nominated me to receive the Grow Fund, a financial gift given to one couple at conference. This has blessed us beyond measure as we await being matched with expectant parents.

Even now, I tear up thinking about how much this community means to me. Through this journey with the Lord and this incredible group of women, I’ve been blessed beyond measure—in friendships, finances, and faith. Let your heart remain open to finding a community that offers encouragement and love—you never know how deeply it might transform your life.