Mark and Andrea wanted more than anything to adopt a baby and have the joy of loving and raising a child. They had waited for some time with another adoption agency when they found A Act of Love Adoption Agency. They spoke with their agency and it was agreed that working with A Act of Love was a good idea because the other adoption agency was placing just a few babies each year. Upon completing all the necessary paperwork with A Act of Love, Mark and Andrea were ready to have their profile shown to birthparents. Immediately, they were selected by birthparents that were young — 16 and 18. All were thrilled and arrangements were made for the four of them to meet one weekend. Mark and Andrea flew to the city where the birthparents lived and they spent a wonderful day together. It was exciting for all of them and they were all so happy they had the opportunity to meet before the birth. About a month later, the baby was born and Mark and Andrea caught the first flight out to be with the birthparents and their new baby. They all spent many loving hours together in the hospital. The morning that the birthparents were to be released, they called the agency case workers and explained that their family had made provisions for them to be able to parent the baby. They felt that at this time parenting is what they needed to do. Upon hearing the news, Mark and Andrea were heartbroken but at the same time understanding of the circumstances and feelings of the birthparents. They parted ways amicably and returned home with heavy hearts and broken dreams. Again, their profile was shown to more birthparents, but they were not selected.

Saddened but optimistic, Andrea and Mark continued with their adoption journey. About one month later, they received a call that a birthmother and father had selected them! They were overjoyed as so were the birthparents! The next day they spoke by phone on a conference call through A Act of Love. It was a wonderful call and a great connection was made. Andrea and Mark were eagerly awaiting the arrival of this sweet baby girl. Well the big day came three weeks earlier than planned! A phone call in the middle of the night awakened them and they quickly made arrangements to be on the first flight out! When they arrived and traveled to the hospital, they were warmly greeted and got to meet their new bundle of joy! She was beautiful and everything they had dreamed of! Immediately, they knew the name they had chosen fit her — Sarah! The birthparents had checked out of the hospital and planned to sign relinquishment papers the next morning and then travel to the hospital to meet with Mark and Andrea. During their meeting with the staff from A Act of Love, they kept calling the baby Sarah. Unbeknownst to anyone, the birthparents had named the baby Sarah.

The meeting at the hospital was a beautiful experience for everybody. Hugs, tears, laughter and peace filled the room. Tons of pictures were taken and Andrea and Mark gave a beautiful keepsake to the birthmother. During their conversation they began to talk about the name and couldn’t believe they both had selected the same name! It was felt by all that this adoption was certainly meant to be! All were thrilled and touched by the experience.