Dad's Introductory Story to our Adoption Adventure:

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She asked, “How do you feel about adopting?”  

My stomach turned with anxiety and an instant concern consumed my mind, “I don’t think I can love just any child.  Not like I love my own flesh and blood, and that’s not fair for the adopted child.”   

Had I seen too many movies expressing a love for blood relatives being greater than other family?  Just weeks later I was in a strangers home.  Their toddler didn’t speak; barely walked.  Within minutes he was on my lap as we laughed and played.  Then the flood of emotion came with this resolute heavenly impression: “I feel the same love for this kid now as I feel for my own kids; not my love, it’s God’s love.”  Elated with a sense that a massive block had been removed in my heart and mind (a miracle for me), I returned home to my wife to tell her I was 100% on board with this mission to bring more children to our forever family.  

Soon thereafter, Millie took me to a theater to watch Tim Ballard’s movie “The Abolitionists.”   From my military training, I knew human trafficking was a reality, but for some crazy reason it never crossed my mind that it included children.  Now I was both 100% on board... and motivated!  For reasons I do not understand yet, but I do fully support, Millie feels drawn specifically to Haiti and that our children are there.

We initially thought we “wanted” two young boys under two, and we started the paperwork portion of this adventure with this goal in mind in September 2016.  

I thank heaven that humility and love can grow, and that God is patient!  Over time, the thinking of what we "wanted" made me feel ill, like I was shopping at a store and excluding some older children because of complications it may bring to our already large family.  It hurt my heart that I was so selfish when God, family, friends, and strangers accept and love me so willingly despite my own problems.  

Gratefully, we are only half way through the long and tedious process.  At our year end review just weeks ago, we were allowed to change our request...which I’ve been waiting months to do, but not as long as these dear children have been waiting.  We are anxiously awaiting now to be paired with a group of siblings of any age.  

Our desire is to keep siblings together, to bring them home to our forever family, to love them as God desires, and to protect them with a safe and caring home.  As our life moves forward, I am recognizing God’s involvement in so many ways. 

Something about mans nature is a desire to do everything...independently.  At this point, I’m learning I can’t do it all.  I'm learning I need the stories and love of pioneers ahead of us, I need hugs and words of encouragement, I need help in all sorts of areas.  Perhaps most daunting at this time, without the help of insurance, I can’t produce all the money needed.  I feel amazingly uncomfortable seeking financial support and to start off this additional adventure of fundraising.   Yet, as I open up to others like I did tonight at a chamber of commerce event, I am blessed to connect with others: to support and feel supported, to connect on a higher level of humanity expressed through the emotion of tears of joy and of genuine hugs.  I cried tonight receiving a hug and a cash gift.  Yeah, I'm uncomfortable!  It's a good place to be.  I think we will become a part of so many new friendships because of our fundraising.  If it's like any other part of our life's adventures, we will undoubtedly help others as they start their own family challenges and adventures.

I also am coming to realize I can’t produce all the time, love, and energy needed.  I’ve turned to God for help as I continue to do my all.  He’s doing the rest, and much is through the angels around us (you) who are helping us bring our kids home and to positively influence them as they grow in this blessed land.  Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child!  We feel so blessed to have this desire and we thank you for your support in all ways and your prayers.  

Standing Uncomfortably Tall, 

Daddy Bruce

Post-blog request: 

Please follow our page ("bookmark" it on your browser or subscribe via blogger to get email updates).  When you feel inclined to bless us with your story, your words of encouragement, or anything else good, please comment.  If our adventures may help you or someone you know, please share our blog with them.  We are also happily accepting donations.  To help us financially, we have the following options:

A. Venmo "Millie-Hoggan" or 

B. Mailed Check made out to "Hoggan Handfuls Adoption Benefit Account" and mailed to Alpine Bank (Mail to 82 Sipprelle Dr, Battlement Mesa, CO 81636) 

C. Walk-in cash donations at Alpine Banks in Colorado to the "Hoggan Handfuls Adoption Benefit Account".  

We understand you can only give so much financially each month to causes you support.  If you can’t help us now, but want to, we ask that you think of us and our mission the next time you can give financial support to someone.  

Regardless of how you participate in our efforts to raise our little tribe, we appreciate the prayers, the kind words, and uplifting stories shared by so many!  May your loving kindness come full circle in your life.  

With much love, 

The Hoggan's