In our leisure time, we like to enjoy each other's company. Whether cooking a nice meal together, playing a board game, or watching a movie, we enjoy activities that allow each of us to bring our innate strengths to the task. A talented multi-tasker, Alicia can handle a multitude of activities at any given time. Marc tends to be a bit more methodical in his endeavors; whether that be smoking meat or pulling an espresso shot, he would prefer to be very precise and singular-minded in the task at hand. Nonetheless, these two strengths complement one another when the final meal is plated. We additionally both enjoy beach activities and exploring the outdoors.

Even when not spending time together, we tend to enjoy much of the same things. Both of us enjoy running outside with the goal of running a 1/2 marathon every year. We also enjoy a good book, but here our preferences diverge - Alicia enjoys an eloquent piece of fiction while Marc prefers to read non-fiction. In the end, our leisure time most reflects that which we enjoy- adventure, learning, and spending time with each other.

We met while graduate students in 2008. Marc had just finished active duty in the U.S. Army and was studying international relations, and Alicia had recently finished serving in the Peace Corps and was studying public policy We had a foreign policy class together and, by chance, happened to choose seats beside each other that we maintained for the rest of the quarter. Alicia thought Marc was the most interesting person she had ever met! We were raised in different parts of the country, yet our similar interests had brought us to the same school at the same time. After class one day we happened to be at the same local watering hole and struck up a conversation that lasted hours. We quickly discovered that we had similar values (family, education, and community) and interests (international affairs, outdoor activities, and food). We dated a little over three years before getting married in 2012.

We will talk to our child about adoption early and often, in an age appropriate manner, so that knowledge of adoption is always woven into the child’s sense of self. We will discuss adoption with our child in a manner that is consistent with our values. Namely, that adoption is one of many loving ways that a family is created. We will answer any questions the child has about his or her origin with age-appropriate honesty, love, and empathy. We are committed to keeping personal details—such as details about you—between the child and ourselves and will not discuss them with extended family or friends. That being said, we will prioritize maintaining contact with you, as frequently as you’d like and by methods requested, so as to foster the child’s unique relationship with you. As the child ages, we will continue to gauge his or her questions or concerns with adoption and adjust our approach accordingly.

Marc grew up in Texas and has two older brothers. Alicia grew up in Indiana and has one younger brother. Our parents still live in those states, but our brothers live in Hawaii, California, and Georgia with our eight nieces and nephews. When we visit Marc’s parents, we usually have a Texas BBQ with his cousins and godparents. When visiting Alicia’s parents in Indiana, we like to go to the county fair. When our friends and family visit, we like to go to museums, play card games, and go to baseball games. We also love to spend time outdoors hiking, walking, and playing water sports.

We are grateful that technology has allowed us to stay in close contact with our friends and families in the States. We love that we have been able to watch our nieces, nephew, and friend's children grow up through videos, photos, and Skype calls. We are looking forward to meeting up with both sets of our parents in London for the holidays and welcoming many friends to visit our current home.

One of the highlights of living abroad is the strength of the expatriate community, which quickly becomes a built-in support network. Adoption is very accepted in our community, and we have already received so much support and encouragement from other families. Everyone is very excited to welcome a child into our lives!

We currently live in U.S. government-owned housing abroad, which means that the Embassy takes great care to ensure that our housing is safe and secure. We live in a mid-rise building of seven units, with 24/7 security, in a residential neighborhood. Our building has a large rooftop that has sweeping views of the neighborhood, where we have planted orange and lemon trees. We sometimes hold building BBQs on the rooftop, and it is a nice place to relax with some fresh air. There is also a small enclosed gym on the rooftop, which is mighty convenient.

Our apartment has 10 rooms: 2 bedrooms, a den, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, dining room, and living room. Alicia enjoys the great light in the dining room, with beautiful views of downtown. We live about one block from a river, which is lined with large parks. In addition, the Embassy has a private club with a playground and activities for the children in the community.

Our jobs require us to move every two to three years. Generally, we do two tours overseas followed by one tour in the United States. After our current tour, we are due for a tour in the United States. We enjoy the opportunity to change our scenery and meet new people, while continuing to invest in our enduring relationships and interests.

Hi there. Thank you for considering us. We are here to support you and would be happy to answer any questions you may have for us.

We always saw having children as our next great adventure. Married since 2012, we love to experience new cultures and food, entertain friends and family, and take on new challenges. For example, we are both currently learning Arabic. It's really hard! As avid baseball fans, we look forward to teaching, playing, and watching the beautiful and deliberate game that is baseball with a child. Our families share our love of the outdoors, and we hope to continue family hikes, camping trips (even if sometimes only as far as the backyard), and water activities together. We are looking forward to sharing our interests with a child, and as curious people with wide-ranging interests, we are delighted to foster and encourage additional interests the child may develop.

We welcome the opportunity to shift our day-to-day focus to that of a child’s needs. We look forward to experiencing life’s normal ups and downs through the perspective of a child, and sharing future adventures with a child. Alicia thinks what she will like most about being a parent is the ongoing learning: as the child learns and develops a personality, and as she learns to be a parent. Marc thinks he will most enjoy watching the child grow and develop. We value providing a structured environment so that he or she always feels safe, while encouraging their interests and personality through creative play. We look forward to incorporating a child into activities we already enjoy, such as watching and playing baseball, going to the beach, and travel.

We are committed to providing a loving, caring, fun, stable, and safe environment for a child. As lifelong learners, we value quality and comprehensive education, including languages, the arts, sciences, and math. We are well-equipped to provide the best education available and will reinforce that education through daily life. Alicia looks forward to reinforcing math and science concepts through baking cookies and Marc looks forward to modeling his drawing skills through coloring contests. Another value we hold is community service. Marc served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and Alicia served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. While we both have moved on to other careers, we continue investing in our local community through various volunteer opportunities, which we hope will one day include volunteering at our child's school.

Adoption has renewed our hope of adding to our family, as we have been unable to have biological children. We have many friends who are adopted, or who have adopted, and have experienced first-hand what a valuable and positive experience it has been for all parties. We will be open and honest with a child in regards to adoption so that the child always understands that adoption is one of many loving ways a family is built. We would love to hear about the hopes and dreams you have for your child.

We imagine that you have questions about us, and will continue to have questions throughout our journey. Moving forward, we are happy to communicate with you through e-mails, letters, and pictures, and share with you the child's growth and experiences, if you are comfortable with that. We understand that your level of comfort may change over time. It is important to us that you are comfortable with your role in the child's life.

Again, thank you for considering us as parents for your child. We have been blessed with one another and are eager to share our lives with a child, celebrating his or her milestones. We are sending you strength, courage, and love as you consider an adoption plan.

All the best,

Marc & Alicia