Thank you
We want to start out by sincerely thanking you for taking the time to read our letter. Please know that although we are extremely excited about the opportunity to begin our family, we recognize that you are in the midst of making an important decision. We can honestly say that we admire you already for the strength and selflessness it takes to pursue adoption. You truly are a courageous person and we would raise your child to honor and admire your selfless decision.

We choose adoption
Tim and I have always dreamed of children in our home. Following a necessary surgery that left Rachel unable to conceive, adoption was an easy decision to turn to. We both have family members who have adopted and who have been adopted. Our entire family, friends, and co-workers are thrilled with our decision to adopt and express to us often how equally thrilled they are for the child who will call us his/her parents.

About us
Both Tim and I are elementary school teachers. I (Rachel) have taught Kindergarten for 15 years and love my job. It's a job where I can laugh, play and be silly. It keeps me young at heart which I think is important in parenting. I also enjoy golfing, fishing, scrapbooking, entertaining, and reading. Tim is an elementary phy ed teacher. He also coaches girls basketball and softball. He enjoys sports of all kinds, fishing, crosswords, and reading. As much as we enjoy our jobs, we enjoy our summers off even more.

We, along with Tim's parents, have purchased a lake lot in northern Minnesota. We spend our entire summer "at the lake," surrounded by family, friends, and the activities that go along with it. It's not very often that two parents have the summer off to relax, play, and enjoy the Minnesota summers. We feel lucky to be blessed with fulfilling careers and a warm close knit family. We would like nothing more than to have a child to share this life with us.

More about Tim (through the eyes of Rachel)
Tim is amazing to watch with children of all ages. It's the way he fearlessly picks up newborn babies and snuggles them close. It's the way he playfully interacts with his students, family, and friend's children. It's the way his high school athletes joke and laugh with him, yet give him the utmost respect. Whether we are at the local grocery store or on vacation in Mexico, present and former students seek Tim out to say hello. Tim is one of those elementary teachers that students adore and have memories of. He is kind, patient, loving, funny, playful, and admired by everyone who knows him. These are the traits that make him a good teacher and husband and will make him a good father.

More about Rachel (through the eyes of Tim)
Rachel's dream is to be a mom and she will be a great one. I want nothing more than the chance to raise a child with Rachel. I watch her with our nieces and nephews and realize how much they have grown to love each other. Rachel has devoted her life to children. She is an amazing and dedicated teacher. One of the qualities I love about Rachel is her selflessness. She is a support to me and the players that I coach We often open our house for team get- togethers and Rachel puts in extra effort to make sure the girls are entertained and well fed. She works hard to make our house a home.

Family, home, and neighborhood
We live in a large city in southern Minnesota and have a comfortable home with plenty of room to grow. Tim is the oldest of four siblings. His siblings are married with children and live close to us. We are very involved in their lives and get together for holidays, BBQ's, sporting events, and just because. Rachel grew up in western Minnesota and has one sister. We talk on the phone weekly and travel for visits once a month. The grandparents are involved in their grandchildrens' lives. They take the role of spoiling the grandkids very seriously and are quick to offer babysitting, hugs, and involvement in the children's activities.

Tim and I were raised in Christian homes with similar morals and values. We value closeness and devotion to family, making the best out of every situation, and living life to the fullest. I would describe our families as loving, patient, humorous and easy going. One additional member of our family is Sweet Emma June. She is a spoiled 7 yr. old basset hound. She loves people, especially children, and going to the dog park. She is a sweet and gentle family pet.

Our promise to you
We promise to love unconditionally and discipline with patience. We promise to nurture and explore possibilities and interests. We promise to instill strength and confidence in family and self. We promise to celebrate you and the story of our union. We wish you well on this journey.

Please contact us at:

Home (507) 289-2433

Rachel's cell (507) 272-7367

Sincerely,

Tim and Rachel