Wilson Family

Heike, who felt called to adopt as a teenager, has not had the desire to have biological children and always wanted adoption to be the way she grew her family. When they met and married six years ago, Zach relates, “Her passion for adoption was contagious. I have a strong desire to be a father but after prayer and seeking God’s will, I recognized I was called to become a father via adoption.”

While on vacation in India in 2017, after talking to a shop owner who shared about killing his baby daughter, Zach immediately felt they were called to adopt from India. But God had other plans and by 2021 the Wilsons were led to Costa Rica which has a great need for older sibling adoptions. They share, “We traveled to Costa Rica in July 2022 and officially became a family on July 15. Brandon (9) and Kaiteny (7) could not be a more perfect fit for our family, and we are so thankful for the twisty, curvy, unexpected journey that led us to be a family. They are the best kids and we are so lucky to be their parents!”

As a special education teacher in Cincinnati Public Schools Zach loves having individualized time working with students from lower incomes. Heike, a mental health counselor for Central Clinic Behavioral Health, loves working with and meeting the needs of children who qualify for Medicaid. Their pastor writes, “They are incredible people with an incredible heart for international adoption. Zach, Heike, and any future children they bring into their home through adoption will be well loved, we cared for and well supported through MIssio Foster and Adoption Ministry.”

Weeks after the adoption the Wilsons learned of an older sibling who was adoptable and expressed excitement about the possibility of being reunited with her younger siblings. Brandon and Kaiteny were also very excited!! Zach and Heike share, “We feel the Lord is definitely calling us to pursue adopting Rachel and we know He will provide despite our financial fears.”

Recommendation: $5,000 Matching Grant

Deficit: $40,750,