On Christmas Day 2014, Nadine and I made plans about the family that we would have together one day. I still remember how excited we both were when we decided we wanted to be parents.

Just over two years later, Nadine and I were told that our plans were not possible. I still remember how devastated we were. It was soul crushing pain.

Over the summer of 2017, we told our family and dear friends that we had decided to build our family through adoption. It took a lot of tears, and a lot prayer, to get to that point, but we were taught something that I will remember for the rest of my life.

We make plans. God’s plans are better.

They are truly better than we could have ever imagined. It is through those plans, that I can say that we have a son.

Nadine and I are so privileged and blessed to introduce our little miracle to all of you.

Everyone, meet Oliver.

I can’t wait to tell you all about him! Oliver was born here in Uganda on September 10th, 2016. He just turned two years old! He is brave and adventurous, and he already loves climbing, swimming and camping. He is a little goofball who loves to dance, laugh, and sing. He listens to music constantly, and he’s probably at his happiest when he has a face full of porridge with music blasting on the speakers nearby.

Oliver’s story — where he was born, to whom, and where he was raised — it is all something that is and will be a part of his story for the rest of his life. It represents a deep loss and pain that he will feel forever, and it is something we have chosen as his adoptive parents to keep precious for him, so that one day, if he chooses to, he can determine how he wants to share that part of him with the world.

For our family’s story, (which we are SO HAPPY to share) it began on July 20th, 2018, the day we were able to bring him home.

Every day since that Christmas morning in 2014, Nadine and I prayed for a child to call our own. It took 1,302 days of praying, but God answered us. He gave us Ollie.

Every day since we brought him home, I’ve had the privilege of being a father, and Nadine a mother. It is one we waited for, and it is such a precious feeling for both of us. I’m struggling now to put our love for Ollie into words. He is truly, of such value and worth to us. I know that God gave us a deep calling to move to East Africa to do our work here, and once again, I’m reminded of my favourite passage of scripture, my favourite teaching of Jesus.

Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Yes, God called us here to fulfill a purpose, to engage in our calling with him. I know that. But do you know what is crazy? God brought us to Uganda to find our SON.

Oliver’s middle name is Muwendo, which means value or worth. He is our treasure, and he was hidden from us. We found him. Thank you, God.

I want to say thank you, all. Those two words are not enough to describe the gratitude that we feel, but we know that countless people have been praying for us in this journey, and praying for Oliver, before we ever knew who he was, or where we needed to find him. Thank you all for  your love, support, compassion, and prayers. They have not been left unanswered!

So, we will continue to share our story with you all, the story of our family and the adventures we will share together. Adventures that will be incredible, amazing, and difficult. We forge ahead knowing that the path is uncertain and complicated, but we are assured in this moment of one irrefutable truth.

We make plans. God’s plans are better.

With love,

Josh (Daddy).

First selfie! Kid’s a natural!

Watching monkeys!

Showing off some of Daddy’s favourite rapids on the Nile River!

Holding his hand, for the first time!

Oliver’s bigger sister is only a few months older, but 75 lbs heavier! They’ve turned into fast friends!

Oliver + Birthday Cake

Belle is learning how to be a good big sister, and not eat her brother’s toys!

What I come home to every day after work!

Ollie’s first night under the stars!

Happy Birthday Oliver!

Watching the sunrise in Northern Uganda over the savannah.

From Belle’s perspective.