Kevin and I went to see Andrew Peterson’s ‘Behold The Lamb of God‘ concert last Tuesday- the same day we found out our adoption application had been approved.
Have you seen it? It’s so good! I took my mom to it a couple of years ago while Kevin was out of town, and I’ve been determined to take him to it ever since.
It turned out to be an extra fun night because Caleb Chapman was filling in for another musician that couldn’t make it to the show that night.
He and his family are a super inspiring bunch, and we really enjoyed hearing him play and sing, and learning more about the organization his family founded.
It’s called Show Hope and it was created by Caleb’s mom and dad (Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman) in 2003. Show Hope provides orphan care to children, and adoption aid to couples hoping to adopt. Totally, totally awesome peeps, doing totally, totally awesome things!
And speaking of couples hoping to adopt- we’ve (spontaneously) skipped town for a very special adoption-related trip this week! I don’t want to forget any part of it, so I’m going to share it all here on our blog over the next few days. I should probably back track a bit though first.
Kev left the Behold the Lamb concert reeeeally, really inspired. So much so, that when we got home that night, he marched right upstairs to his music room and proceeded to write the most beautiful song to our future child. I’m talkin’- MAJOR waterworks, y’all. Sweet, sweet words from a hopeful daddy to his little love.
A couple of days later, Kevin wound up talking to an amazing producer friend of his, Chuck, who owns a wildly popular (a.k.a- booked up like crazy) studio in Canton, Michigan. He was telling him about the song, when Chuck said, “I’ve got 3 open days next week. If you can get up here, I’ll record the song for free.” Well, as you can imagine, we were completely over-the-moon excited about the opportunity, but we didn’t know if we’d be able to swing it because we weren’t sure if our regular house/pet-sitter would be able/want to come over and stay so last minute. I quickly texted her and we were so excited when she texted back and said YES! (Thanks again, Alicia! You’re the best!) Soooo, we jumped in the car on Tuesday morning and told our GPS to get us to Canton, Michigan!
And look who we met up with along the way:
Caleb and Julia Chapman!
Long story short- I ended up “meeting” Julia on Twitter the night of the Behold the Lamb concert (turns out Julia is a regular reader of our blog. Hi Julia!), and we were so pumped they were okay with posing for a silly adoption song road trip photo able to meet up with us for a quick visit on our way to Michigan!
After Tennessee, we wound our way through Kentucky and then called it a night in Lima, Ohio- which I thought was kinda crazy because we just got back from Lima, Peru! (Note: turns out the one in Ohio is actually pronounced “L-eye-ma”, but I still thought it was a pretty neat ka-winky-dink. And who knew Lima, Ohio is where the TV show “Glee” is supposed to be based! #FunFact)
We arrived in Canton around noon yesterday, and Kevin and the guys at the studio allowed me to take another goofy adoption song roadtrip photo went straight to work.
I don’t want to get in their way too much while they’re working though, so I’ve mainly been out-and-about exploring Canton while they’ve been recording. I am going to swing by and video Kevin singing and playing guitar a little today, and I look forward to sharing some of that here in my next post.
That’s an awesome idea!!!! Can’t wait to hear it!!!! And to meet litltle baby Palmer <3 God bless you both!!!!!
Thank you, Lorraine! 😀
1. I’ve never met you.
2. I haven’t even heard the song yet.
3. I’m crying anyway.
4. I think adoption is pretty much one of the neatest things in life.
I second all that you wrote. And I’m glad that I’m not the only one wiping away tears after reading this post…. Best wishes Layla and Kevin!
I second what Shannon says.
I can’t wait to hear the song and donate to two strangers that are so deserving.
What a great story! I can’t wait to purchase the song – I am an absolute fan of Kevin’s lyrics & music and know its sure to be awesome! What a great fundraiser, don’t you love how things call I to place when they’re meant to? Safe travels.
Hey, I used to live down Ford rd from Canton and ironically live down the road from Lima, Ohio now. Weird.
Anyway, if you want to get out and about here is a link to a really cool building salvage/antique store in Yipsalnti – which is just down the road from Canton.
http://www.materialsunlimited.com/
Enjoy your time in MI. I suggest Pizza Papalis in Dearborn for some really good deep dish pizza. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
Have a safe trip.
This is the coolest idea EVER. I cannot wait to hear it!
I can’t WAIT for the song’s release. I’ll be donating and downloading! I’d also LOVE to send you and Kevin one of our adoption tees…or maybe I’ll just give it to you in person the next time you’re passing through Tennessee (wink, wink). By the way, I know that you’re with Lifeline (so are we) but I haven’t heard which country you chose. Lifeline’s Ethiopia families have an unofficial (not sponsored by the agency) FB page. If you are, in fact, adopting from ET and would like to join, hop over to my blog and leave me a message and I’ll be happy to add ya’.
Hi Layla, I just wanted to wish you ‘luck’ as you pursue and travel the adoption journey. Journal, pray continuously and enjoy!! Thirteen years ago we adopted, I am adopted and my own personal feeling is that adoption ROCKS!!! If you are still in Michigan, enjoy. we live an hour north of Lansing (the capital) and are currently enjoying winter weather 🙂
May God’s blessings fall on you like the gently falling snowflakes. . .
bonnie
Layla,
I’ve been following along on your trip via Instagram and I love knowing all the back story now. You two are awesome and inspiring. Hope you have a safe trip back and I can’t wait to hear the song.
-Monica
PS I am NOT a fan of crying (I’m super unemotional), but I have a strong feeling Kevin’s song is gonna break me down 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post. It is truly inspiring. My husband and I are going to be submitting our adoption application in April. I’m so happy that things are working out for you. I do have sort of a personal question for you. You don’t need to answer it though if it’s too personal. The reason Aaron and I are adopting is because I am infertile. It breaks my heart. And it breaks his. I have PCOS. And I know many with PCOS are able to have children. But for some reason, unknown to the doctors, my body just refuses. Do you struggle with infertility, or do you have other convictions for adopting a child?
Y’all are absolutely inspiring and incredible! My heart just overflows with happiness for you guys. I cannot wait to hear the song and I know this trip is just one more way that God is using y’all to testify His perfect timing. Enjoy the rest of your trip! 🙂
Oh my goodness!! I just boo hoo’ed as I read “baby Palmer”!!!
So excited for you guys 🙂
How exciting! Such a wonderful, life-changing journey. I can’t wait to hear Kevin’s song and I’ll be so happy to download and contribute. I just love your blog and even though you have no idea who I am, I feel like the two of you are a sweet little inspirational part of my life (I hope that doesn’t sound creepy!) And, I can’t believe not only are you in my home state, you’re 15 minutes from my home. If you have time, try to to visit the little towns of Plymouth and Northville, both are very close to Canton. Dearborn has the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village (you need a solid day for that visit). Enjoy your visit to our great state! All the best to both of you as you continue on your journey. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Super exciting news & I’m super excited for you both! Isn’t it amazing how things work out sometimes? 🙂 I can’t wait to hear {and purchase} the song!
I discovered your blog through The Pioneer Woman, and love following your blog. I’m so excited for the both of you on your upcoming adoption. Hopefully soon! My thoughts and prayers are with you Layla and Kevin. Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful post….so happy that you and Kev and on this journey of adoption. As the mother of 5 I would in a heartbeat adopt a child if I could. There is nothing more wonderful that the love of a child.
Wishing you many blessings on this journey and can’t wait to hear this amazing song.
MJ
Lucky 7 Design
i just love this! someday when your (future) child is growing up, they’ll be reminded how much they were wanted and loved before they were even with you. i’m adopted, and knowing how long my parents waited to get news on my arrival just fills my heart. having a beautiful song written in honor of your special little arrival will be a constant reminder to your child that they may not have grown in your belly, but they’ve been growing for years in your heart. =)
As a supporter of adoption and a woman who hopes to one day be the mama to an adopted child, I can’t wait to hear this song and be able to help you all along the way in your adoption! 🙂
this just makes my heart so happy. parenting and adoption in paticular is such a selfless beautiful relationship. whatever the reason, infertility or personal conviction it speaks volumes about anyone who chooses to love and care for a child and make them their own. I hope you are having a wonderful trip and I can’t wait to hear when your little one is finally HOME.
Soooooo COOL!!!!! 🙂
What a beautiful idea to help bring your little one home. I’m so excited for you both! Can’t wait to hear the song.
Hi Layla and Kevin: While you are in MI, if you want to explore, I recommend Brighton. My husband and I lived there prior to moving back to MA and loved it. Cannot wait to download the new song. Your baby will be blessed to have you as parents. Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and a new year filled with health and happiness.
Loved reading this story and wish you all the best! God bless.
What an awesome idea! And welcome to my state. When people ask where you were in Michigan make sure to hold your hand up like a mitten and point to the location on your hand. That’s how we Michiganders show where we live. 🙂
Layla♥ …you KNOW I am thrilled to my core for you and Kevin…this is going to be one amazing journey!! I am SO inspired by the Chapman’s and their lives and story, what a blessing to be able to hear/meet/see Caleb and Julia!! I am looking forward to hearing Kevin’s song to your sweet baby! xoxoxo ((big hugs)) my Friend~
I love this idea! Our two kids are adopted, so I love hearing adoption stories and am looking forward to hearing this song! May God bless your journey to your child.
That is SO AWESOME!! Can’t wait to hear the song and help get you guys on your way to parenthood- you’re going to be the coolest parents ever! =) xoxo Bethany
ps- we adore Show Hope and the Chapmans too!
Hi Layla & Kevin,
Congrats on getting your application approved! Adoption is something that I’ve always wanted to do my entire life. I thought it was extra special when I met my husband (who was adopted as a baby) and has always wanted to adopt as well! We will certainly check out the organization and start planning/saving. We’re not quite ready to adopt yet (we’ve only been married a year) but I’d like to within the next couple of years. It’s never too early to start planning!
Good luck throughout the entire process – I know it’s not always easy – and have a Merry Christmas!
Laura
http://www.happyroostblog.com
I read here all the time but don’t always comment. Let me just say that sometimes, ok, most of the time I am brought to tears by the simple sweetness of your stories. Today was no exception. I am so very excited for y’all and cannot wait to hear the song and read all about the adoption. ‘Twill be a blessed child to have y’all as mommy and daddy!
I’m so thrilled for you and Kevin. I pray that everything turns out in the way you want it to. No child could be more blessed to be yours. Happy and healthy New Year!!!
Canton is only 15 minutes from me, Layla! I can’t believe you are so close!
It’s a small, small, world 😉
If you’re in Canton and exploring, head one city north (only 2 or 3 miles) to downtown Plymouth. It’s a great place for walking, shopping and restaurants!
Have fun!
Oh Wow. This is so truly wonderful! Praying the response to this fundraiser knocks your socks off and fills the adoption coffers! God is sooooo good!
Congratulations about your adoption application! That is so exciting! This is such a precious story! Thanks so much for sharing.
AH-MAZING! Cant wait to hear it!
Congrats! Hope you enjoyed my home state of Kentucky!
I got choked up just reading this post….I can imagine what the song will do. Your story is one of hope and inspiration and determination and love. Can’t wait to hear it!
What an amazing story from beginning to end…and you know the end will have a bundle of joy for you. It is SO very obvious that God has His hand in your plans.
Love it!
Merry Christmas you two!
WOO HOO!!! Can’t wait to hear it!! Best of luck!!
Can’t wait to hear the song. I read Mary Beth Chapmans book Choosing to see and instantly fell in love with this awesome family. Mary and Joseph made a journey to recieve their precious baby–I have seen that same story unfolding in you and Kevin. God Blesses those who seek Him and you are doing just that. Prayers for safe travel!!!
Such a wonderful journey for you both! Congratulations!
My husband and I love Steven Curtis Chapman… love him and his family! I have been to one of his concerts (awesome)!! Can’t wait to hear Baby Palmer’s song… such a sweet idea! 🙂
Hope you enjoy your stay in my lovely home town!
So exciting!!! Blessings to you!
Oh my gosh!!! You’re so close to me!!! If you drive through Columbus at all, PLEASE look me up!! I’m happy to help you in any way!!
This is way better than reading a great book that you can’t put down, or waiting for a sequel for your favorite movie… so many hopes and prayers for this exciting adventure for you guys. JUST the BEST!
Welcome to my home state (and apparently many other commenters, too! 🙂 ) Canton is the home of Michigan’s only IKEA! And there is a bunch of other really cool things to do down there, I saw Henry Ford Museum was mentioned, Greenfield Village is great too! I am so excited to hear Kevin’s song and even more excited for the blessing of adoption for you two. Have a great time in Michigan and have a safe trip back home too! 🙂
Layla, You should check out this website. katelynsfund.org
we can’t wait to download the new song. blessings to you two as you travel through the adoption process. you are so going to be a great mom and dad.
Wow! What a sweet story! I bet tons of people will download Kevin’s song. Merry Christmas to you guys! You’re going to be amazing parents!
Layla and Kevin….I LOVE this!!! What a wonderful idea…I can’t wait to hear/download the song to help with your adoption fund. You two are amazing people and will be fabulous parents! Love you friends!