Justin and Casey’s journey began unexpectedly. They were set up on a blind date, and soon, their conversation turned towards family. Struggling to conceive, they opened their hearts to the idea of adoption and foster care. Little did they know, this decision was about to change their lives and those of four siblings in need of a home.
Justin, a fifth-grade teacher, met Jaden, a student in foster care needing extra support. One day, Jaden shared through his computer that he needed to be adopted. This heartfelt moment deeply moved Justin, and he knew he had to act. He shared this with Casey, who immediately agreed to adopt, even after learning that Jaden had three siblings also needing a home.
Casey, moved by this opportunity, saw it as an answer to her prayers. “I knew immediately that we needed to adopt the children,” she recalls. “I had prayed for a long time to be a mom. I felt like it was an answer from God.”
The Padets embraced their new family, giving the children opportunities to participate in various activities and trips. They faced challenges, particularly helping the children work through the trauma from their past. Yet, their commitment and love never wavered.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
