Even in their 20s, Cody and Braukel knew God was leading them to grow their family through adoption. They contacted Hope International in 2019 with an interest in adopting a child who had Down Syndrome from Bulgaria. “We knew God had been opening and preparing our hearts for our perfect son rocking his extra chromosome,” they said. The Bishops were matched with their son, whom they named Creedyn, in early 2020, and they began preparing the paperwork for his adoption. They said they knew immediately on seeing his information that Creedyn was their son. “It almost felt too good to be true,” they explained. “He was everything we had been praying for, and we immediately knew he was our missing piece.”

“It was so surreal! As soon as he was placed in our arms, we felt as if he had been there forever”

Creedyn’s Parents

In March 2020, when international travel shut down, this family refused to give up hope they would have their son home for Christmas. They worked on paperwork, waited, and worked on more paperwork. “The wait was the hardest part,” Braukel said. “The fear of the unknown…the seemingly never ending process…especially trying to navigate and complete an international adoption during a pandemic!”

After video visits, more paperwork, and an international flight, Cody and Braukel were finally united with their son in November. “It was so surreal! As soon as he was placed in our arms, we felt as if he had been there forever,” Braukel said. After a week in Bulgaria, (which included Cody’s 30thbirthday) the family returned home to be met at the airport by their family, including their 9-year-oldbiological son Blaiden. Blaiden, who has wanted to have a younger brother for years, said,“I am just so excited to finally have a little brother! I love everything about him!”

Creedyn’s parents have loved getting to know his personality. “He is an absolutely amazing little boy and his smile can light up any room!” they said. “He is so full of joy and love, and he keeps us laughing with his hilarious facial expression, sweet sweet smile, and his inquisitive mind.” They have been celebrating how much Creedyn has developed in just a few weeks of being home. He is learning to sign words, blow kisses, and loves playing with his brother. “Family looks so good on him!” Braukel beamed

Because of your support, children like Creedyn are able to join loving, permanent families here in the United States. In 2020, Hope International helped 24 children to be adopted. As we celebrate this season of generosity, please consider giving to Hope International so we can continue our life-changing work of uniting orphans with families who love and care for them