This is one family who took advantage of my “beach sessions” while I was out in Balboa, CA in May. Meet Chris & Jami….& their new little addition to the family, Elle::
Chris McFarland was my boss….3 years ago, while I was working for the Luis Palau Association. I was on staff for the Nashville CityFest that took place in downtown Nashville in 2007. There is so much to say about this festival, but for now I’ll just tell you that my life and heart was dramatically changed in that season- it ROCKED my world. I am so very thankful. Chris and Jami travel from city to city- to help facilitate festivals. Right now they are stationed in San Diego, CA- gearing up for the San Diego Cityfest that will be taking place on September 11-12th.
I asked Chris & Jami a few questions about their adventurous LIFE, which is so inspiring and encouraging….take a few moments and get to know these people that I adore::
YOU HAVE AN AMAZING STORY TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:: Jami and I prayed about how to start our family and God led us to adoption as the way we should have our first child. Since that’s what He wanted we did exactly that and on Dec 29 of 2009 we submitted a letter to our adoption facilitator. Only three weeks later, we were called with the news that a birthmom had chosen us to be the parents of her child. We met her and the match was affirmed and our beautiful daughter was born on February 23, 2010, less than three months after submitting our letter to adopt. Definite affirmation that we were hearing clearly about what God wanted for our family. It’s an open adoption and that means we have a relationship with the mother and hang out with her from time to time.
TELL ME ABOUT SAN DIEGO CITYFEST:: San Diego CityFest is going strong. We are only two months away from the Festival where we will celebrate our Season of Service which will have seen more than 35,000 people do some sort of service work in the community. Those same people will bring their friends on September 11th and we will celebrate the work and share the Good News with all sort of other activities like freestyle motocross, skateboarding, bmx, veggietales and some of the best Christian artists out there.
LIFE AFTER ADOPTION:: As far as perspective on life after our daughter, it’s amazing to see God at work in creating our family. We started it over 11 years ago in 1999 when we got married and though we didn’t think we would have kids, here we are. Elle is a special gift that God orchestrated in our lives and He did so knowing he would bring number two along, which causes us to think even more about family and taking care of one another. Yes, number two is already on it’s way, due January 4. I learn daily how little control I have, but how much opportunity God gives, to influence our daughter, love my wife and live so that He might be worshiped and glorified by all of us.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!! BABY #2 IS ON THE WAY!!!!
Chris & Jami…my LIFE has been forever changed because of the work that you wake up and do everyday. Your hearts are for LOVE and for PEOPLE…and this truly inspires me. Thank you for driving to meet me at the beach for our session. I loved every minute of it. I am thankful that God weaved a little bit of ours lives together in such a sweet season. I love you dearly! CONGRATS!!!
by Kelli Trontell
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