Our story: We always knew we would be parents, but never imagined it would be this hard.There are only a few people who KNOW our whole story. However, in honor of infertility awareness week, we want to share our story.
Here goes everything!
Joe and I have been friends since high school. We have shared tons of life experiences, and we are always there to support one another.
Our story though, is not a high school sweetheart's story, but rather an, "It's amazing we ended up here" story! You see we never intended to date, much more get married, but our thoughts were not God’s thoughts. Obviously!
Let’s fast forward, or rewind (whichever!) to early 2007. After many late night talks, we realized that this was “it” THE BIG “IT”. We belonged together. It was like the light bulb went on -- we were each other's ONE!
Within 11 months we were engaged and married. Oh what fun!!!! Just like any other young married couple we just assumed we would get pregnant and have babies.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
It still isn’t.
The thought that we would be entrusted with life’s great gift, LIFE, is one of the most humbling and honoring experiences in this world. To have that “stolen” from you really tests who you are. For Joe and I, it has redefined who we are, and who we will be. We have learned to completely and wholeheartedly trust God through this process.
Regardless of infertility's difficult journey, we know that God's intentions for us are good; He wants what we want.
To give you a very raw, intimate look into our journey I humbly share this: In 2009 I went to the doctor for my annual checkup and left with a crushing blow, “You have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and your risk of infertility is very high."
My 22-year-old self just kind of blew it off and figured that somehow it would all work out. That I would be fine. For those who don’tknow what PCOS is, they are cysts or polyps on the ovaries that affect a multitude of things. One of them being the ability to conceive. We were successful at conceiving once, but then lost that sweet baby very early on.
We’ve tread through some deep ditches, but our Savior has been with us all along, with every trudging and disappointing step. ("Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.” Matthew 28:20)
It has now been five years since Joe and I started trying to have OUR baby. We are still waiting patiently. In the meantime we have invested significantly in the First Response Corporation. :-)
Our current place in our “future parents” journey is starting the adoption process. While we would love to have biological children, and how I would love to conceive and carry our child, we know that we are called to adopt. We know that our family will look like God’s family -- a little different.
While we look forward to that day that we hold our sweet baby, our hearts remain confident in Him.
An ending Disclaimer: We did not write this for anyone to feel bad or sorry for us or the thousands of others that walk through this but rather we hope you have been moved with compassion to pray for those less fortunate in this area.
Please feel free to contact us about our story by leaving a comment. We would enjoy hearing from you.
Sincerely, Joe & Carrie Alford
P.S. We are very excited to announce that we are currently "in discussions" with Joe & Carrie about being a Because of Isaac family! Keep them in your prayers and please take a moment to encourage them in a comment.
(Please note that all parts of this article are the opinion of the guest writer and not necessarily viewpoints that I personally share)
14 comments:
Touching story, Carrie and Joe! You will make awesome parents to those special babes God is going to give you...however they come! Thank you for sharing. xoxo
Thanks Carrie and Joe for trusting us with your story. As you're walking through this valley, know there is something very special waiting for you. God is so faithful! I look forward to babysitting your kids too. :)
So glad you guys shared your story. Steven and I can't wait to come to your ranch and see all the little ones running around! We'll keep believing with you! Love ya! :)
You are so precious to me! Thank you for sharing your story. I know you will make amazing parents of the family God has intended for you all along. Love you!
Julie Edgar
THIS IS THE BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING CHAPTER OF A VERY VERY POWERFUL STORY OF TRIUMPH! KENDALE & I LOVE YOU BOTH SO DEEPLY & ARE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! WE ARE HONORED TO BE THE SISTER & BROTHER OF 2 OF THE MOST PRECIOUS , JOYFUL, AND STRONG GOD-LOVERS WE KNOW! <3
Looking forward to seeing a picture of the family of God in your family-different races and genders as well as biolgical! Excited to see this story unfold.
Sure do love you guys! Di
This story, like His story, is one that is continually written--an ongoing, never ending story of intimacy. As you guys have embraced this process you have embraced His message/ministry of hope. He is at your center and has given you a process/story/testimony that will align others with His hope--Jesus. So proud of you guys, admire you deeply.
Love Andrew and Rochelle
Carrie and Joe...Thanks for posting your story. Be assured that we will be praying for you. This special baby has been picked out for you before the foundation of the World. What a fortunate child or children they will be. I have seen you Carrie in full action with the kids at ALCA...the love, the caring, the Praising day in and day out. The never tiring love as Auntie and Uncle for Tiffany's children...these are things that not only we see but God sees. He has some great things in store for you both. Love and miss you...Eileen Alia
Gods plans for you are awesome and can already be seen in the connections you have with Wendi. It will be such a delight to see your story written by Him shared with the world. Love you guys.
Hello--My husband and I dated from age 18-20; married at 20-21; I was told by doctors I would not have children due to a thyroid condition determined at age 14. I ever took birth control - female cycles perhaps if lucky, 6 times per year.
Well one day, at the age of 26 and 5 years after being married, was told I was pregnant. Very risky for both the baby and myself. Had to watch my diet, take lots of calcium, etc., but overall I felt had a good pregnancy. I remember my grandmother telling me to keep my faith in the Almighty. He will see you through any and everything. So I did just that.
My son is now 42. I have a daughter, a pregnancy much to our surprise 8 years apart. she is now 35.
I was 35 when I was pregnant with my daughter.
What I want to give you is, "hope." Keep your faith and your love for one another.
My husband and I have been together 50 years and married 47 years.
We just told each other today, "it's been good".
Our love fr one another has only gotten us stronger to deal with what aging brings in the next chapters of life.
We are both retired, and spend a lot of time together....
Wow. The things we did not know. You're in "good company" since the Father and Mother of many nations themselves faced the same thing. In their surrender and covenant with God (one of a cutting away of the "flesh") they were filled with what only God could supply. I know your lives are no different. You have set yourselves apart for the Gospel and He's no respecter of persons. Be still and know that He is God. Along the way - be sure to know that you do not walk alone! We love you.
Izzy and Bianca
Thank you everyone for your kind words. They are certainly treasured and not taken lightly. I look forward to the day that we will be posting a pic of our growing family on here... :-)
Thank you everyone for your kind words. We certainly treasure them and don't take them lightly. We're looking forward to the day we will post a pic of our growing family.
Sincerely,
Joe & Carrie
Thank you for sharing your story! The journey of infertility is raw and real! We've been in our own boat with it. Your outlook and faith is encouraging and beautiful! Looking forward to seeing your family grow however the Lord chooses to do that!You two will be amazing parents!! Bless you for opening up here! Love you both!!
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