Camp + Asher Part I

Here is a story that we have been working on behind the scenes for the past couple of months!  We are so excited to share Wynne and Stephen’s adoption story with you!  This post is actually only part one, as this is a story we will be making into a short film!  Here is the story from Fotocrew Member, Alison Holcomb who was the photographer in Ethiopia the day that Wynne and Stephen met and received long awaited Camp and Asher.  Our hope is that this story can bring inspiration and hope to those who are looking into adoption as well as be an encouragement to others who have already adopted!

Photography by Fotocrew Members,  Alison Holcomb and Mallory Buck

“We woke up extra early that morning, everyone excited, on cloud nine and anxious to go. While we ate breakfast together, Wynne’s parent’s shared sweet family stories about taking surprise Disney vacations together and cute things Wynne and her sisters used to say and do growing up. I couldn’t hope but notice how Wynne and Stephen absolutely lit up when they talked about how they couldn’t wait to share these stories and traditions with Camp and Asher.. You could hear the excitement in their voices when they talked about taking them new places- everything from Baylor homecoming, to Disney trips and everything in between. Wynne’s dad, Russ gave Wynne and Stephen a little pre-baby meeting interview and videoed it all. I hear he gets the video camera out quite a bit to document big occasions, so I’m sure Camp and Asher will be in front of the camera all of the time between grandpa  and mama. Before leaving the guest house to meet the babies, we all prayed together.

On the short drive over to the babies, nothing but excitement and anticipation filled the car. I just remember glancing over at Wynne the whole time and noticing that her huge, gorgeous smile never went away. When we went into the meeting room, the babies weren’t there yet. Words were light and few among us, but there still seemed to be plenty of giggles. The mamas brought Asher in first. There were SO many raw emotions.  Laughter, giddy excitement, tears of joy. Soon after, the mamas brought Camp in, and everyone went crazy again. The room was absolutely overflowing with love.

The Elder family had been a family of 4 in the hearts of Wynne and Stephen long before Camp and Asher were in their arms, but witnessing them laying eyes on each other for the first time was something so tender that I am honestly having a hard time finding adequate words for. Watching them feed them for the first time, nurture and love them with such an unabashed, Christlike love was such a testament to who our Heavenly Father is and how He loves us with such a tenderness like He’s doing it for the first time with each new day. God was radiating from my sweet friends that day, and He continues to flow from them even when they aren’t aware of it.

Wynne and Stephen have been such a huge influence to so many people. So many people have followed their story through Wynne’s blog, and been truly impacted by it. I know so many of our friends have been touched by the story God has placed in their hearts and lives. Friends who have started considering or starting the adoption process, and friends who have absolutely been encouraged by the power of Wynne and Stephen’s obedience for the story the Lord has for their family.  Through the years there have been so many ups and downs to this entire process, and the biggest thing I think most people take away from the Elder’s story is their unwavering faith. They made sure to praise His name and make Him the focus of the highest highs and trust Him the lowest lows. Countless people have been impacted in such a huge way through their faith during this journey, and they have helped make Him famous through it all. One huge thing that will always stick with me is when Stephen said when we accept Christ, we are adopted by God.

They have personally encouraged and opened my eyes in such a huge way to orphan care and the love of all things Africa, that I moved to Rwanda shortly after Wynne and I went on a short term trip. They are such a huge part of my support system and taught me the hugeness of what happens when you simply say yes to God. The Lord placed adoption on my heart when I was a sophomore in college. After being invited to help share a tiny piece of the Elder’s adoption story, I have no doubt in my mind I will be going down this road myself someday. The unwavering, joyful, accepting love that both Wynne and Stephen possess is an inspiration to my life. They continually inspire me to love deeper and gracefully. As a photographer, this experience has changed me. Being able to use my camera as a capture such raw emotions and love made this one of my most memorable experiences as a photographer. I am so thankful for this experience because it wasn’t just about me taking pictures. it wasn’t just another photography session. It was an opportunity to show people the beauty of adoption and the story full of love that is there.” – written by Fotocrew Member Alison Holcomb