Sarah & Donald

Dear Expectant Mother, We hope this letter finds you as well as possible. We are Donnie and Sarah, and we are writing to you with hearts full of respect and gratitude. We can only imagine the amount of strength and love it takes to consider this path for your child, and we want to express our deepest appreciation for considering us as adoptive parents. As parents ourselves, we understand how important this moment is, and how much thought goes into every detail when it comes to our children. We have been blessed with two wonderful living children, Gabrielle and Josie, who fill our lives with laughter, learning (lots of this), and love. We have also experienced multiple pregnancy losses, and forever remember and honor our little angels Lucia and Noah. Our family is built on a foundation of diversity, love, and respect, all of which are central to our lives. We believe in embracing every opportunity to learn and grow, whether it’s through travel, reading, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations with those around us. We know that everyone has a unique story to share. Our home is a melting pot of cultures and ideas, a place where every question is welcomed and every dream is nurtured. Travel and exploration are not just hobbies for us but a way of life. We believe that experiencing different cultures, languages, and landscapes is one of the most enriching gifts we can offer our children- and it is much more beneficial for children than just investing in material items. It teaches them (and us!) about the beauty of differences in the world, the importance of empathy, and the value of living life with an open heart and mind. Our family is a blend of races and cultures, with Donnie being Hispanic/mixed of Central American origin (first generation U.S. born) and Sarah being white of U.S. Midwest origin. This interracial and intercultural dynamic has enriched our lives in countless ways, teaching us and our children the importance of understanding, respecting, and celebrating our differences. We are committed to raising our children in an environment where love knows no boundaries, and diversity is seen as a strength. A typical evening in our household might look like Donnie listening/dancing to Salsa in the kitchen while making guacamole for the girls (their favorite food), Sarah making banana bread telling Donnie to stop trying to get her dance while she is preparing dessert, and our two girls arguing about who loves guacamole more. A typical plate of food in our house is always a fun mix of who we are and the backgrounds we come from. Faith plays a significant role in our lives, guiding us through challenges and inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves. In our household we are not afraid to talk about difficult things, and often we talk openly about what it is that we are struggling with. A big family tradition for us is sitting down as a family every evening, saying grace, and sharing a meal. Our faith allows us to enter into daily moments of gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness. We intend to instill these values in our children, ensuring they grow up with a strong moral compass and a deep sense of purpose. We also understand that we are vulnerable and inevitably fall short of being who we need to be; we value knowing we can rely on each other to get us through the difficult storms. As we write this letter, we are aware of the true privilege we have in being considered as a family for your child. It is not something we take lightly. We are committed to providing a loving, supportive, and nurturing environment for your child, one where they can thrive and discover their unique path in life - no matter where that takes them. In closing, we want you to know what we would promise to provide your child. These are our promises to you. They will be loved unconditionally in our family. They will be embraced for who they are, supported and challenged to reach their potential, and showered in affection along the way. We will be open with our child about the sacrifices you have made, and will be committed to honoring your selfless and loving decision every step of the way. We hope that you find peace in this decision-making process, and sincerely desire for you to connect with the best family for you and your child (whether or not that is us). With sincere respect and gratitude, Donnie and Sarah

Sarah & Donald