Lauren and Matt Dowell had always been interested in adopting a child. After their daughter turned one and they started talking about growing their family, they began the adoption process in January of 2022. It would take two more years to be matched with a child, and another four months for their adoption to be finalized in July of this year.

For 35 years, the Mary Kendall Adoption Program has served families across Kentucky who are pursuing adoption. We assist with paperwork and home studies to show that a family is a good fit for the child.

The Dowells met their son Elijah on the day he was born. "[Meeting Elijah was] very emotional because we had waited so long and prayed so hard for him," Laura says, "When he was born, Elijah's birth mom, maternal grandmother, and I all hugged and held each other crying and smiling at the same time."

Transitioning to a family of four has gone smoothly for the Dowells. "Elijah has fit into our family seamlessly," Laura says. "His big sister is simply obsessed with him."

The Dowells have also chosen to keep Elijah connected to his birth family through an open adoption. They frequently send pictures and have visited several times with his birth family. "We are so thankful Elijah has so many people in his life who love him," Laura says.

We are grateful to have been part of helping Elijah find his family and walk alongside Laura and Matt in their adoption process. Laura says, "We give God all the glory for us being matched with Elijah, and we are so thankful for Mary Kendall Adoption for their huge role in his story."