GRETCHEN for the Lara family — CO
Rachel, a midwestern girl from Missouri, met Andrés, a city, beach boy from Ecuador in college and bonded over music, worship, and their shared faith in Jesus Christ. Married for fourteen years, they’ve long felt called to adoption—a desire that began in conversation on their very first date.
Rachel grew up surrounded by adoption and foster care, and a few years into marriage, they became licensed foster parents. While serving in church ministry together, they walked through the pain of miscarriage, then the joy of welcoming their son, Luca, in 2018.
In 2020, their hearts turned to international adoption. They began pursuing a program in Andrés’ home country, but rising unrest closed that door. In early 2024, they felt led to adopt from Eastern Europe, where they specifically learned about children from the Roma decent. They quickly shifted to Nightlight Christian Adoptions, and have been so grateful for Nightlight’s support.
Shortly after their dossier was registered in July 2024, the Lara family came across a six-year-old girl who immediately captured their hearts. They applied for her without hesitation, deeply believing she was meant to be their daughter. But in November, they learned another family had been chosen.
In the Spring, during a time of prayer, Rachel sensed God asking her to completely surrender the adoption journey… yet again. She stopped continually searching the waiting child lists and became obedient in trusting God to lead in His timing.
Just two weeks later, she came across a post on the Reece’s Rainbow Facebook group. Adoptive mom, Kim Carter, shared that her daughter had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, forcing them to step away from a recent referral. Kim included the Reece’s Rainbow link to the little girl they had been matched with… the child they had to let go of… the same little girl the Lara’s had applied for months earlier.
Rachel immediately contacted their agency and reached out to Kim, sparking a special connection. Kim became a daily encouragement as the Lara’s resubmitted paperwork and made their desire clear to the NGO in Eastern Europe.
After 52 days of uncertainty and back-and-forth communications, the Lara’s received the news they had long prayed for: on June 30, they were officially matched with the little girl they had never stopped believing was theirs.
The journey ahead is still unfolding, but the Lara’s are confident in God’s perfect timing. They are full of gratitude, awe, and hope—believing with all their hearts that this precious girl is meant to be their daughter.
7/17/2025 — TRIP ONE in AUGUST
