EAC helped me bring home two beautiful children from Russia. Isabelle was adopted in May 2005 and Charlie completed our family in August 2006. The beginning of my story, my road to adoption, started like many... days of unsuccessful infertility treatments and nights of endless tears. It was at that point that I realized I didn't need to have a baby; I just NEEDED to be a mom! And so my journey began, with EAC.

The middle of my story is kind of boring. I dove head first into paperwork... homestudy paperwork, dossier paperwork, fingerprints, apostilles, INS, and the list goes on. I made binders, I took pictures, and I was obsessed! I had everything done in a little over 2 months and began waiting for my baby girl from Russia. The waiting, at the time, seemed excruciating.

The end of my story is where it gets really good. On May 17th 2005 (my grandpa's birthday) I picked up my beautiful, 2 year old daughter Isabelle. Yes, I said 2 years old! I've never regretted my decision to adopt a toddler. It's amazing how insignificant some of the things I thought were important have become (like adopting a baby versus a toddler or my child having the same color eyes as me)! Isabelle is an articulate, beautiful, exuberant, kind hearted 4 ½ year-old. She's also a wonderful big sister! Yes . . . I said big sister. I did the whirlwind of paperwork during spring break and by September 1st was home with her 17 month old brother Charlie! And so, thinking back to how my story began, the words of a Garth Brook's song come into my head

"Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers"

My days now are filled with beautiful noise, love and laughter. I fall into bed exhausted, my house is a mess and I love every minute of it. My passion for adoption and children in need of loving families has led me into a new adventure. I'm now a Regional Director for EAC in Wisconsin! Sharing my story, "showing off" my children and giving people hope and help toward fulfilling their dream of having a family is a blessing for me.

We love you EAC! XOXO

The Schenk Family

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