Grace and peace. Many of you know that I was adopted as a newborn. That day, now over 47 years ago, set the path for my life. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without my parents and extended family. Life is turning full circle. Next month, Jennifer and I expect to adopt a newborn boy into our family. We are beyond excited and a little nervous at this point as we prepare to welcome this blessing into our lives. The specifics are that when the child is born, in Texas, we will travel there to meet and care for him. We must wait in Texas for 10-14 days for the adoption paperwork to work its way through the system. We will then return to Washington with our son. Adoption is never a sure thing because the birth parents can change their mind. In Texas they have 48 hours to think it over. So, we have been careful to not talk about our match for the past two months. But, we are so looking forward to the joys and challenges of parenthood.
You may know that the District of Columbia passed a Family Medical Leave Act to protect parents who adopt with 8-weeks of paid time off from work beginning on July 1, 2020. The Episcopal Church also does not offer benefits for adopting parents. Thankfully, the Vestry of St. Patrick’s voted last month to offer me 12-weeks of paid paternity leave to be used as needed. I will be using it for the time that we are in Texas waiting for the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) to process. Upon our return to Washington, Jennifer will use her accumulated vacation time and sick leave to care for our son while I am back at St. Patrick’s. After Easter, I will switch places with her. We will do that until he is ready to be enrolled in day care.
The exact date of birth is unknown, but it is likely to occur in early to mid-March. I will be away on our Feast Day celebrations on March 15. Bishop Mariann was already planning to be here and she will be assisted by the Rev. Jenifer Gamber, and the Rev. Dr. Lisa Barrowclough. The Rev. Dr. Yolanda Rolle, the Chaplain of Howard University, and the Rev. Cameron Soulis, the Lower School Chaplain at the National Cathedral School, will step in on March 22 and March 29 as guest preachers and presiders at our services (if needed). I plan to be back on Palm Sunday and Easter Day and probably every Sunday after that because Jennifer will be available to care for our son on the weekends. This is all to say that the worship life will continue at St. Patrick’s. I am also excited that Philip Chalk will be offering a Lenten Class on Sundays for the adult forum to ensure that our spiritual and educational programs continue.
I thank the Vestry for their understanding and encouragement for us as we welcome the newest Gerhard to our family. I ask that you keep us, the birth mother, and our son in your prayers.
Blessings,
