| Our story begins in 1999 when, after 10 years of marriage and attempting without success to have a child biologically or privately adopt, our precious Corinne Joy was born! Cori Joy was a miracle in many ways. She was conceived naturally and was a big surprise to two people who had given up the idea of being parents in this way. Cori's birth was itself a miracle. Were it not for a very skilled obstetric physician with small hands it is possible both Cori and Stacy would not have survived. Cori sustained a brachial plexis injury at birth though this was much better than the original concern-that her neck had been broken in delivery. A couple of months ago we were approached "out of the blue" regarding the possible adoption of a baby who would be born on our about the first of September! We believe God has opened this door and that He will turn our mourning into joyful dancing. (Psalm 30:11) However, adoption is very costly. Unlike the years most adoptive couples have to raise funds for their adoption, we have only a few weeks until "Molly" joins our life! We are having a garage sale in a few weeks to raise some funds and both of us will likely need to take side jobs to help make ends meet once Molly is here. We are also praying that there are people who will read this, who will participate with us financially in this blessed event and help us bring Molly home. An adoption fund has been set up for us at Bank of America- they can accept donations at any branch-just indicate Berndtson Adoption Fund-established in WA state. Mostly, we ask for your prayers that Molly's birth would go well and that the adoption itself would go smoothly. Please include Molly's birth mother in your prayers as well, that this adoption will allow her a better future for herself and other child. Pray for us as we begin this new chapter of our lives. That we can be the parents Molly needs and that we model the love and grace we have received from Christ to her throughout her life. Visit the blog for regular updates on our journey to Joy!! Thank you, Steve and Stacy |
| Being Cori's mommy & daddy was the best job we could have ever asked for. She gave us joy every single day for 3 years and 364 days. Cori went to be with Jesus the day before she would have turned 4 years old. |
| Were it not for our faith in and salvation from Jesus Christ, we would never have survived the loss of our only child. Because we know we will see her again one day, we have been able to get up each morning since. However, our home is without the joy it once had. Cori left us 4 years ago this November 2007. |
