GATESVILLE, Texas --Even with four back-to-back deployments, fertility issues, timing constraints, and an eight-year-old daughter, Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Oravetz of Division West's 166th Aviation Brigade and his wife, Stephanie, "felt a calling to adopt" another child to add to their Family.
But then the adoption agency with which the couple were working referred them to not just one child, but two: brothers Evan, 4, and Joseph, 2, from the Gatesville area. As far as John and Stephanie were concerned, the boys came as a package deal, and that was all right with their daughter, Valerie.
"Once the boys came around, I couldn't let them go," said John.
Stephanie is well-versed in the adoption process, as she has worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates as a volunteer for three years. "So many great children out there need homes, so that they are not raised in the system," she said. "Children are a gift given to us, whether we have them biologically or adopt."
After the adoption process was well underway, Stephanie became pregnant and is now expecting their fourth child, a boy.
Last month, on the day the boys became the Oravetzs' legally adopted sons, John, Stephanie and other members of their Family arrived at the Coryell County Courthouse wearing red, the symbol of love. Mother, father, grandmother, daughter, and soon-to-be adopted sons Joseph and Evan all sported some article of red clothing.
Among the attendees at Evan and Joseph's adoption ceremony were Stephanie's supervisor from CASA; the boys' godfather, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jim Campbell, who deployed twice with John; Stephanie's mother, Valerie Garland, who drove from Arlington, Texas; and the couple's pastor, David McMinn.
Michael Lackmeyer, the couple's adoption attorney, took care of all the Family's legal matters. Although emotional, the proceedings were quick and went off without a hitch.
"The best part," John said, "was when the judge officially declared them ours."
The Oravetz Family and their friends and supporters were all smiles as the two little boys were officially received into a welcoming new home and support system.
"God chose us to love and raise these children," said Stephanie.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/166aviationbrigade.
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