Adoption Stories

The Howard Family

By May 22, 2007No Comments

It has been a little more than three years since John and Marissa.

The Howards invited the girls to live with them as foster children in August 2004 and the Lord used that desire to lead us to adoption.”

John and Pat Howard of Tallahassee with their eight children, three of whom were adopted through Florida Baptist Children’s Homes: (Clockwise, from left) Tiana (9), Jacob (20), Aaron (24), Josh (22), Julia (11), Marissa (8), Zac (16), Jonathan (10).

The Howard’s admit that they knew very little about how to begin the adoption process but the Children’s Homes “made the path straight for this journey.” “They did our home study, helped us with all the paperwork, provided us with proper training and adoption certified,” Pat said.

The Howards were both pleasantly surprised by how accommodating the Children’s Homes was throughout the adoption process. “One staff member even drove six hours with me to pick up the girls for a visit so I wouldn’t have to drive and it was such a blessing!” Pat said.

Pat explains that the Children’s Homes also put together adoption books for the girls that included photos from their past and embrace their future. “These are still one of their most treasured possessions,” Pat said.

“Even after the adoption the Children’s Homes continued to stay in touch with us. They called and make sure that we were all doing well,” Pat said.
John and strong,” John Howard said.

“You also have to have a great support system,” Pat said. “You will need to lift each other up when you are weary and be sensitive to the needs of your biological family members.” The Howard’s recognize that they are just temporary care-givers to their children. “We have to remind ourselves that we are just stewards of these children because they really belong to God,” John said.

The Howard family lives in Tallahassee, Florida where they attend Four Oaks Community Church.

They have five biological children, Aaron (24), Josh (22), Jacob (20), Zac (16) and Marissa (8).

There are currently 4,100 orphaned children in the state of Florida that are available for adoption. If you feel God leading your family into adoption or if you would like more information please contact Charlie Cox, vice president of programs at the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes at 863-687-8811 (ext. 215)