Where do I begin in telling this family’s story to the best of my knowledge and ability? There’s no way I could do so in one blog post, you’d need a WHOLE BOOK to do that! ;) So I will do my best to give you a little glimpse into this amazing family from my perspective. I met Pastor Bill in June of 2010 at the opening night for his summer Bible study on “God’s Will for Your Life”. It was my husband’s and my first “date” or “hangout” after meeting just the week before. From that first evening hanging out with Pastor Bill I could feel his love for others, but especially “20-somethings” seeking direction in life. My husband, Justin, and I immediately felt a connection with Pastor Bill and got to know him and his family very well. Pastor Bill married us, baptized us, helped us dedicate our son to the Lord, and has been a friend and mentor ever since. I’m also thankful to say that I’ve become close friends with Kelly and the kids as well. They even invited Justin and I to go along with them to the airport to pick up two of their sons in the last adoption to capture the memories of meeting them for the first time! Blog post on that here on my old blog. I feel so blessed to call them friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

So that is my family’s connection with them, but what defines this family? Anyone who has had even a brief encounter with them knows that they are defined by Love, Christ’s Love, by Grace, by a fervent heart for what breaks the heart of God, by Generosity, by Open Arms, an open seat in the “Rum-bus” and an open home. They lead a radical life, a life that I’m sure is not always easy, because it is never easy to follow what God has called us to do. They’re inspiring to me. I hope that these few words about them and images inspire you too. If you feel called to adoption I’m sure that Kelly or Bill would be more than happy to answer any of your questions, point you in the right direction, and pray for you and your family.

*disclaimer: a few very important members of this family are not pictured here: Matt and Karli (and baby VonHerb), and Chelsea and Tucker. (We’ll get y’all next time, guys!)

You two make such a beautiful couple!!

Some outtakes that’ll have you laughing…

Dear Rumbaughs, I love you all so much and am so blessed by you. Thank you for allowing me to capture these precious memories for your family.

Love, Jenna