Sometimes infertility can feel lonely, shameful, and full of darkness. Actually, it always felt like that. I can remember feeling like I had a big scarlet letter painted on chest, even though no one could see or feel my pain. “I,” for “infertile.”  It’s like that word, that letter, seemed to identify me. Seemed to place me in a category of ugliness, unworthiness, or whatever yucky category was available for the day. That “I” has transitioned to a “1”, which I am so grateful for, but it seems to feel the same way at times. We ‘only’ have one child. But can I tell you how that ‘only’ one is far greater than just one miracle?

Chris and I waited for Archer for too many years. Over four to be exact. That was four years of darkness, disappointments, and walking through one of the greatest valleys I have ever known. It was during that time that my love for writing became an outlet. I began blogging about my feelings, my frustrations, and basically anything to get me through the valley. Chris came up with a website idea, Journey Southward, and we bought the domain name so I could share my story with others in hopes that we could encourage other couples in a similar situation. This was about 7 years ago, now. Never did I imagine that Journey Southward would be what it is now, or who I am now.

Archer’s life is nothing short of a miracle. Archer is one of the greatest examples of the goodness and faithfulness of who God is. Through his life and his birth, one of my greatest passions was born. You may see just one child, but I see endless joy in my delightful little man, a calling to empower and support families, and a greater purpose that could only have come from walking through that deep valley, and trusting God in the plan that He was orchestrating.

Photography by Alexandra Kayy

Journey Southward was created before I knew I even cared about how babies were born. Journey Southward was there to guide me and to comfort me when I needed it the most…so that I can be here now; to guide and comfort you, when you need it the most. I love helping families grow their families, and I wouldn’t trade that journey for anything.