“The root of adoption is an awareness that a child is in need of one of the most important elements in life: a mom and a dad.“
Jeremy and Sarah Samek live outside of Pittsburgh and recently adopted a beautiful little girl. She has Down syndrome – “blessed with an extra chromosome and with an extra amount of love to pour into the world,” says Jeremy Samek (Senior Counsel for Pennsylvania Family Institute).
At the beginning of their adoption journey, Jeremy expressed interest in adopting a child with Down syndrome. “The prospect of inviting someone new with extra difficulties into my life seemed daunting,” comments Sarah. “However, life without a mom and dad is daunting. Growing up in an orphanage with a disability is daunting. And if not us, then who?”
After a fourteen month process and two overseas trips, the Samek family brought Maria Pearl home. Here’s their journey:
“People with Down syndrome have been blessed with an extra chromosome. And they also have been blessed with an extra amount of love to pour into the world. Whether it’s my value, your value, or Maria’s value, our value doesn’t come from what we can or cannot do. It’s purely based on the fact that we’re all equally made in the image of the living God.”
Adoption Resources:
- RainbowKids Adoption & Child Welfare Advocacy: rainbowkids.com
- Reece’s Rainbow – Down Syndrome Adoption Grant Foundation – reecesrainbow.org
- Focus on the Family
- Show Hope – showhope.org
I had tears of joy and got chocked up by this story. Thank you so much for recognizing the great pain and loss felt by birth parent/s. That is often neglected in the midst of all the celebration. Thank you for stepping out in faith so there’s one less orphan needing a mom and dad. And thank you for trusting God to provide and guide, because it’s a grounding testimony that makes your children feel secure, plus it honors our LORD. I hope you find a wonderful support group to fellowship and share experiences with in this journey. You made a wonderful decision for Maria and the boys. Blessings, Samek family.
Very kind. That means a lot to us. Thank you! -Jeremy and Sarah
You guys are such an inspiration of love, care, and joy. I’m blessed to know you guys and I’m so excited to be able to meet her in person. God bless you and your family as you embark on this wonderful journey.