“In the midst of everything it was like God provided supernatural strength and rest."
On October 4, 2019 at 12:30 pm, Bethany received a text message. She had no idea the conversation would soon change their lives forever. A 7-pound 13-ounce, 21-inch, 2-day-old baby girl needed a home and a family. Benji and Bethany Riley said YES and just five hours later, the couple welcomed baby Journey into their home.
When Journey was just 3-months-old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Initially, doctors believed through treatment, Journey would stabilize, and live a long life. But in April of 2021, they discovered Journey’s cancer had spread to other parts of her body. With prayer and guidance from her medical team, the decision was made to stop further treatments.
Bethany and Benji wanted to adopt Journey, but they didn't have time to wait. With the help of doctors and staff at Christian Heritage (along with many others), the adoption process was expedited.
“She was ours from the beginning, from when she was just two days old. So it wasn’t a question if we wanted her to be legally ours or not.”
Eight days before she passed away, the Rileys were able to legally adopt Journey into her forever family.
“Looking back, I have no idea how we made it through that time. In the midst of everything, it was like God provided supernatural strength and rest.”
Although they are still navigating the loss of Journey, the Riley family continues to open their home to children in need. Their YES has impacted the nearly 15 children who have called the Riley’s home their own.
“It was definitely one of the hardest things in our entire lives, but we keep saying yes. There are kids out there that need someone to step in. Every child is worth it."
