Matt and Hannah's Snowflake Journey

2019…what a year! For us, it was a year like none other.  Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine it would play out as it did.  The year held many moments of laughter, excitement, development of friendships and personal growth.  But with those joyous moments came times of tears, fears, loss and significant change.  Early in the year, we knew God was calling us to be obedient to Him and surrender our will and comfort to Him.  We were not sure exactly what that looked like, but we were patiently waiting for Him to reveal that plan to us.  In May, we felt God calling us to leave the comfort of our jobs in pursuit of a new career opportunity for Matt.  At the same time, we were wrestling with our desire to have a family and not knowing what that would look like.  We kept praying and asking God to make it abundantly clear to us what our next steps were to be, as we felt He was leading us to pursue adoption of some type (domestic, international, or foster to adopt).  Every time we discussed or prayed about it, we just didn’t feel at peace or that God was calling us to take the first step in starting the adoption process through one of the more well-known avenues.  And then, in a very special way, we learned about embryo adoption, also known as Snowflakes Adoption.  Instantly, we were intrigued and began researching and praying about this adoption opportunity.  Through several events that we strongly believe were orchestrated by God alone, we knew this was the adoption path He was calling us to pursue.  

What is embryo adoption?

When couples go through IVF, sometimes there are more embryos that are created then they choose to use to grow their family. The unused embryos are then frozen and placed in storage.  When this occurs, couples are faced with making a decision as to what to do with the remaining embryos. There are four options:

1. They can donate them to research/science.
2. They can choose to let them thaw.
3. They can continue to pay to have them remain frozen in storage.
4. They can donate them to another couple to adopt to grow their family.

Out of these options, the first three do not offer the chance for the embryos (preborn babies) to have a chance at life. The fourth option provides a life affirming opportunity for an adoptive family. Embryo adoption allows the adoptive mother the chance to experience pregnancy and birth of the baby.

In the fall, we began the adoption process and are excited to now be waiting to be matched with our placing family.  We do not know how long it will take to be matched, but we are praying for our placing family and trusting God that He has the perfect family for us.  

We are beyond excited and thrilled to be walking this journey of growing our family together.  We know that God has great things in store for us through this process.  Additionally, we strongly believe that God wants us to share our story, which has been a stretch for us, as we tend to not publicly share much about our personal lives. At the same time, had it not been for hearing someone else’s story we never would have known about the blessings that can come from embryo adoption.  We share our story in hopes of bringing awareness for other couples that are out there searching for an option to grow their family.  In addition, we share in hopes of encouraging other couples that have embryos in storage that value the life of their embryos (preborn children) and are looking for a way to allow them to continue to develop and grow. 

As we head into 2020, we ask that you join us in praying for our adoption journey as there is still a long road ahead.  We do not know how the rest of our journey will go, but we know that regardless, God is good. If you want to know more about embryo adoption, please feel free to contact us.  We would love to share with you.

While embryo adoption is cheaper than other forms of adoption, it is still quite costly.  Thus far, God has provided for our journey, however we still have a significant portion of the adoption and medical costs that will need to be paid.  Additionally, we want to be good stewards of God’s resources that He has entrusted us with, as we prepare to expand our family.  If you feel led and are able, we would be honored to have your financial support for our adoption journey.  Donations are tax deductible and can be made via the donation link above.

To help put these desires God has placed on our hearts into practical steps, we have a fun and unique way that you can provide financial support and have a tangible way to remember to pray for us during this journey. 

We have 125 snowflake ornaments that each have a number (#1 thru #125) assigned to them.  Each snowflake will represent a donation amount (1 = $1, 75= $75, 125 = $125, etc.). If all snowflake donation amounts are claimed, we will raise about a 1/3 of the expenses involved with our embryo adoption! In addition, we will attach to each snowflake a specific way you can be praying for us, our journey, and the placing family.

Please follow these steps below if you would like to help support us on our journey:

1. Select a number from 1 – 125. We will update this page regularly with the numbers still available. 
2. Click on “Make a Contribution” above and donate that amount.
3. Email us at mhbsnowflakes@gmail.com with your name, address, and snowflake ornament number you selected and we will mail it to you.

Thank you in advance for your support and coming alongside us in this journey!

Numbers remaining as of 3/13/20:

1, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 48, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 66, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108