Mike and Shannon met in 2005 while working together as singers at a theatre in Savannah, GA. They were married 5 years later, had their first daughter in 2011, and their second in 2012. Both Mike and Shannon have always felt the pull to adopt, separately in their lives, and then surprised when the other also felt that calling.
Through many months of research, they decided on China as the country they would adopt from, and through advocacy, they decided that they were comfortable with the special needs program.
They found the profile of a Chinese boy who was blind and loved music, and were in love with him from the start. He was the same age as their oldest daughter, and he was from the same province as Shannon’s distant relatives in China, and shared a birthday with Shannon’s only brother. While not believing in signs, but not disbelieving, they requested his file, consulted specialists, and spoke with friends and family about this child. They are confident that he will blend perfectly into their family.
Their oldest daughter has told them numerous times that THIS boy is her brother, long before Mike or Shannon had made a decision. She is excited to teach him how to sing and dance, and hold his hand to teach him to walk around the city. She is also very excited about learning Chinese.
Before submitting for Donnie, however, they decided to wait and see if their agency could find them a second child that would fit their expanding family. In June of 2015, they saw their first video of their one year old little boy who has no special needs. After reviewing his file and talking with their family about this child, they decided that this boy would complete their family. Their children are very excited to have a new baby to take care of!
The Zaller family is excited to expand their family, and is thankful to everyone who has helped them thus far on their journey!
10/27/15—AWAITING LOA
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at thethousandmileblog.wordpress.com