Shivers Family

I am extra excited about this post. I was introduced to the Shivers through the Savage family (no stranger to the blog) and had the incredible opportunity to photograph not only their family portraits but the adoption of their two youngest. Adoption is close to my heart and nothing can bring tears to my eyes quicker than thinking about children becoming part of a forever family. The Shivers have adopted all of their kiddos and my heart just swells with joy thinking about how two people have forever changed the course of 4 little boys lives. 
The journey is not always easy and adoption is a lot messier than people realize, but through the ugly and the hard there is so much redemption and beauty. Through talking with Nylsa and hearing just a fraction of their story I am so encouraged by the faithfulness of God and His delicate but fully evident hand of provision through this entire process. 
It was Denton County's Adoption Day, so the Court House was packed with families waiting for their adoption to become official. I have never been a part of an adoption hearing and I cannot even begin to describe how awesome this experience was. The judges cleared their entire day to just do hearings, and the county put together a day families would never forget. After the check in station where families got a schedule of the events, each family got to pick out a beautiful quilt before they were greeted by a welcome party in the waiting room. I mean literally there was an entire group of volunteers devoted to cheering families in, streamers in hand and crazy hats on head. They had refreshments, decorations everywhere, and stations to keep the kids and their families occupied. There was a clown, face painting, a station to make a family tree out of fingerprints, a bookstore, teddy bears galore, and even a puppy dressed up in a tutu. I am telling you, it was a CELEBRATION. 
I had to fight back tears all day long! 
For everyone involved in making this adoption possible, I want to thank you. For the lawyers, case workers, volunteers, and everyone that made this day a reality. Thank you for working long hours and being completely under-appreciated. Thank you for doing a hard job that requires more patience then I think I will ever attain. And for Nylsa and Clayton, thank you for being obedient to the calling every believer has to care for the least of these. Thank you for letting your love for Jesus overflow into the lives of 4 boys and countless others around you. Thank you for letting me be a small part of this beautiful day. You challenge me and encourage me more than you will ever know. 
Enough typing! Here they are :) See their story and meet the newest Shivers - David and James!