Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our family. We know this must be an uncertain, but hopeful time for you. Our hearts go out to you as you consider your baby’s future. We lift you up to the Lord and pray that He will give you peace and guidance in the coming weeks. We believe that God has a plan for all of our lives, and though we do not always know what that plan entails… trusting Him will get us through anything.
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We understand the importance of relying on God. Our ability to trust the Lord has been tested and refined throughout our lives, especially in the area of having a family. Although we always dreamed of having many children, we found ourselves facing a tumultuous battle with infertility. By God’s grace, we were blessed with a precious daughter in 2004. Since that time, we have counted our blessings and cherished every moment with our little girl.
During the past three years, we continued fertility treatments with no success. As we grieved the loss of four miscarriages and nine unborn children our love for each other and our resolve to build a family deepened. We feel
so blessed to have a child of our own, but we also know our family is not complete. We both yearn for another little one, and our daughter longs for a brother or sister. God has gradually prepared our hearts and home for adoption, and we are excited to love another child as our own. We firmly believe God has a specific plan for bringing us to this point in our lives, and we are certain that He has allowed our paths to cross for a reason.
US
Wade and I met and fell in love at work, where we counseled children with severe emotional problems. By coincidence, we both have undergraduate degrees in psychology and masters' in counseling. Now we are licensed professional counselors who are dedicated to helping others.
Wade specializes in adult and family counseling and works for a large behavioral health company. Because he sets his own schedule, Wade often works from home and is always available to spend time with family throughout the day. Ramona specializes in counseling children and adolescents, and has been blessed to be a full-time mommy to Liliana for the past three years. She continues to use her expertise as a parent consultant and does all of her work online and over the phone.
Our Life
We have been married for almost five years, and we are still the best of friends. We love to laugh and create new adventures with Liliana every day. Our family enjoys traveling, experiencing the great outdoors, playing sports, watching movies, playing on the beach and acting silly. One of our favorite things to do is open up our home to family, friends and neighbors. We are known for our hospitality, and we cherish any opportunity to serve others. Our family motto is: Live, laugh, love. And our home is a place where we can live out those words.
Our little haven is in suburban St. Louis. Our home is comfortable and filled with books, toys and pictures of family and friends. Our lower level is one big play area, designed for growing minds and bodies. We have a large, fenced back yard with a swing set and a jungle gym...perfect for outdoor play. In the summer, we belong to a community swimming pool with many of our friends and neighbors. The rest of the year, we get together for play "dates" with friends all around St. Louis.
We have wonderful neighbors, many of whom are our closest friends. Our subdivision is filled with children, and we often get together “on the block” for impromptu parties and cookouts. We love to take family walks every evening after dinner. Within a short distance of our home are walking trails, parks and water activities. Our area also has one of the highest ranked school districts in the state, which provides many opportunities for local children. And last, but not least: St. Louis is home to our favorite local teams, the Cardinals, Rams and Blues!
Our FaithOur relationship with God is the foundation of our lives, individually and as a family. We are actively involved in a uplifting Christ-centered church that teaches the truths of God’s word. We feel truly blessed to have a devoted family of believers who take care of one another through every season of life. We love our church and are faithful members. Our family is involved in many aspects of church ministry including: Bible studies, Christian parenting groups, ushering, leading in the nursery, supporting women in the church, and providing meals to new parents. For the past five years, we have also been blessed by child sponsorship through Compassion International. It is our mission to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives.
Parenthood: There are no seven wonders in the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.
~Walt Streightiff
We believe that children need unconditional love, encouragement and unlimited opportunities. And that is exactly what we provide...along with lots of laughter and fun! We both agree that parenthood is the most rewarding endeavor we have ever known, and we have been incredibly blessed and strengthened through the experience. We would never trade our roles as Daddy and Mommy, and we look forward to watching our children grow and discover their unique gifts and talents.
About Ramona
My family moved 12 times before I was 15 years old. For that reason, I love adventure and can handle just about anything that comes my way. By the same token, I value stability and cherish close relationships with loved ones. Throughout my younger years, I was an honors student, involved in every activity from Student Council to competitive sports. At the same time, I also helped care for my younger siblings at night while my mom worked. Early on, I learned about responsibility and balancing priorities.
After high school, I attended a small college in Indiana, where psychology and sports were my passion. Throughout college, I worked at a youth shelter and volunteered at elementary schools. At the same time, my diving career flourished, and I reached All-American status without the help of a coach. As I look back, I see that God always helped me achieve balance while rising to the challenges in my life. I look forward to teaching my children to trust God while encouraging them to dream big and go for their goals.
More than anything, I am a people person who loves to have fun. I will drop everything to help someone in need, and my primary desire is to be a blessing in the lives of others. Currently, I serve children, expectant mothers and members in need through church ministry. I love photography, music, art, movies, sweets, fitness, rollerblading, biking, and creating new experiences.
Wade says: Ramona is a beautiful person inside and out. She was created to share love with children. As a big kid myself, I experience her tender love, mercy and grace daily. Ramona is the greatest gift I have ever known—just meet her and instantly, you’
ve found a best friend. She loves life, and little things bring her such great joy. I believe children love her so much because she sees the world through their eyes—full of beauty, freedom and adventure. Ramona is genuine, sincere, compassionate, playful, faithful, loving, gentle and full of goodness. I am blessed to know her, privileged to love her and humbled she chose me as her husband. Liliana will never know a day where she
wasn’t loved, and loved exceptionally well. My only wish is for another child to experience God’s love on earth through Ramona.
About Wade
Three things were
ingrained in me as a child raised in southern Mississippi: always keep God and family first; do my best with the talents and skills I was given; and be a southern gentleman. My immediate and extended families are very close, and they have always supported and encouraged me. Through hard work and perseverance, I excelled in every sport my parents allowed me to play. Sports were a huge part of my college career. Although I started out
pre-med, I discovered that my real passion in life is in helping hurting hearts and lives...so I finished with a degree in psychology. I experience the most joy in life spending time with Ramona and Liliana, especially when traveling. I also love entertaining friends and family at our home. I enjoy playing all sports, and consistently play soccer, tennis, football and basketball. And, believe it or not, I'm a chocolate fanatic!
Ramona says: When I met Wade, what first drew me to him was his zest for life. His enthusiasm is contagious, and people are drawn to his fun-loving personality. He is sensitive, kindhearted, loving, patient, selfless, energetic and a real family man. Wade is a funny, caring guy who brings laughter and comfort to every situation. He is also an incredible athlete, who attained junior Olympic status in soccer. That strong will and hard work carry over into every aspect of his life. Best of all, Wade is an extraordinary father. His character and love for the Lord make him a natural family leader. Wade is everything I want in a husband. As our relationship grows, so does my love for him.
About Liliana
Liliana is a bright and vivacious 3-year-old who brings joy to our family. Always inquisitive and excited about life, Liliana loves to swim, play on the playground, read books, create masterpieces with crayons & stickers, and make everyone around her laugh. She adores animals and enjoys going to the zoo (where she has to brush
every single goat in the petting area). For the past several months, Liliana has been praying for a baby brother or sister. She plays with her baby dolls, pretending to change their diapers and give them baths. She is gentle and caring with little ones, and she will be a terrific big sister.
Our promise to you:
We will love your child as our own and offer him or her a lifetime of love and guidance. We will provide every opportunity to help them experience the richness of life. We will encourage your child to fulfill their dreams and follow their passions. We will support your adoption plan and share with your child as much about you as you would like. And, most importantly, we will raise your child to know a close and personal relationship with the Lord.
We pray that the decisions you face will draw you to a God who loves you and wants the best possible life for you and your child. We are filled with hope that you may decide to place your child with us. We realize that it takes a very special kind of love to make such a personal sacrifice for your baby. We would sincerely love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.
In the meantime, allow us to give you glimpse of our lives that words could not express…
