Love Has Come - An Adoption Story

We've shared a lot about our adoption over the last couple of years, but this short film is probably the best summary of our heart for adoption and our journey to bring Eden home. Adoption isn't for everyone, but hopefully watching this video will inspire those of you who might be considering it to take the next step.
We're once again left speechless by the talent and generosity of our friends. This time, it's Nathan Willis, the filmmaker who traveled with us to India to help us document Eden entering our lives. And honestly, he couldn't have done it any more perfectly. Please visit Nathan's site for more of his incredible documentary work (and he shoots the most amazing wedding films, too!) www.nathanwillisfilms.com.
And rest assured, Eden's not crying nearly as much these days - lots of smiles have followed during our last four months home ... to better follow along with our day to day, visit our Instagram:
/ rfollowell
/ jessfollowell

[@SomeScarsDontHeal]

I'm a girl from India and I've been fortunate enough to have been born in an awesome family and I'm so glad to see that people like you are adopting all the little girls (and boys) in my country who are in desperate need of a family💗

[@rubinabegum9135]

Do you know how your real mom and dad

[@jedidia6]

I was adopted from India and I also want to adopt if I can when I am older :).

[@sairk6174]

U can ..u need to..god bless you

[@kfrankysyiem5692]

You are so special that is why you are adopted,god bless you more amen and praise the lord ❤

[@av98]

@@sairk6174 you also need to. God bless you

[@navanjam4738]

😇✨

[@robbyfollowell2459]

NeverIntimidated - not sure you'll ever see this, but just wanted you to know that we did keep her Indian name as a way of honoring her Indian heritage. There are no doubt painful realities of that Indian heritage given that she was rejected by four Indian families, but we intend to always show respect for the country that gave her to us.

[@candlelight5210]

Robby Followell I'm a Malaysia, But a Hindu so what is her name.. normally every Indian name has meaning :D maybe I can help you tell hers.. if it is a Hindu name. the least I can do for such beautiful folks like you guys

[@priyanka2407]

Candle Light Its Kaveri.Her official name is Eden Kaveri I checked out their Instagram(link in the description)

[@candlelight5210]

priyanka2407 the name of the Indian rivers :D by the way my name is UdhaiyahPriya :D we share the same name together 'priya' :D

[@oualidmazouze8862]

Hi my name is oualid i have 15 years old im from morocco my was dying when a was 13 because a cancer and my father is soo poor and i really need a family to help me please i need a mother a father please i hope help me please

[@baroqueobama6199]

Should the price of adoption decrease a little bit?

[@chaitalisarkar6154]

I am kolkata, India. fron where yiu have adopted her. It's so saddening that four indian families rejected her! bless you guys!

[@caregiverentrepreurreimagined]

I pray Eden will one day know how blessed she is and always feel safe and loved. I was adopted from korea and came to my loving family a four month, 10 1/2 pound very sick and malnourished baby. I am thankful God brought me to my wonderful parents and family and have had the chance to be educated, have a career and find a loving spouse that loves me for me. I pray that Eden will thrive just as well! Keep God as the center and y'all can't fail. Hug Eden for me! She's beautiful!

[@ednalee6575]

+Melissa Miller Melissa this is so encouraging! We are adopting from korea and your story inspires us. Please be praying for us as we still have another year before we get our sweet baby boy. The waiting is hard. Love from the Lord is so big for him.

[@caregiverentrepreurreimagined]

+Edna Kwan Keep the faith! It will happen. If God has placed adoption on your heart then it's meant to be. He's picking out a awesome son or daughter for you and your Husband. I pray that the process will be speeded up and that your little one will be home soon. I arrived in October earlier than planned and gave my parents and extended family a run for their money! Ha ha! Adoption agency called to confirm my arrival date after my parents had left for a short last vacation before I arrived. My uncle was living with them at the time, was a bachelor and hadn't been given a number my parents could be reached at! He had to call my Grandma and called down and let them know to come home. My nursery wasn't done and they had very little purchased as their church had planned a baby shower shortly and Mama wanted to see what she did have checked off list before she did more shopping. So, on the way to airport they grabbed some diapers, formula and clothing and few other quick things!

[@caregiverentrepreurreimagined]

+Edna Kwan God's timing is always perfect...even if we don't see it at the time. There are no mistakes.

[@candyluna2929]

he is a man that loves his child. GOD bless him, his wife and all his kids.

[@ShivamGupta_15]

People do often adopt kids from countries where there is a lot requirement but it takes courage to adopt a special child and raise him with your hands throughout.

[@DanaPatriciaMary1]

Why do I always cry while watching these videos? I can´t help it. It´s so nice. You are great people and it is so kind of you that you adopted this girl. Her life in India would otherwise be very, very difficult. She would probably spend her life in poverty, maybe alone... It is so nice of you! This world needs more people like you.

[@sreelakshmisree2820]

Me too..I also cried..

[@sreelakshmisree2820]

I miss u akhil..lov u lotsss

[@dianafernandez2999]

God bless this family.You both are christ like.

[@harshitbasand858]

Right

[@ShadesOfShai]

She is PERFECT!! Adoption is such an incredible thing!! We adopted our son!! Your sweet video touched my heart deeply. Adoption is powerful and changes lives; not just for those children who are adopted but the families who are adopting as well. I feel like my son completed me in a way I never knew was possible. I hope you are enjoying your beautiful family!! My husband and I do a Daily Vlog on KZbin all for the purpose of spreading awareness and teaching people about adoption!!! God Bless Have an incredible day!!

[@oualidmazouze8862]

Hi my name is oualid i have 15 years old and lose my mother because cancer and my father soo poor I'm from morocco and i need a new family a mother be close to me a father so please help me i don't wanna loose my life please give me a second chance to live for please i hope someone help me

[@charlesjohnson6608]

When I see little ones upset on their adoption day it brings to mind how my own kids literally screamed after being born. It’s temporary and they can never guess how great life will turn out to be.

[@KittyRockswagg126]

When I'm older I will be sure to adopt

[@tdlw_1318]

me too girl

[@parffulpatel1818]

Carolina Flores your thinki good

[@mcdowellmcdowell8278]

Are you old now?

[@IsaMuro-vn8wb]

are you adopting yet?

[@forerunner7]

So sweet that they prayed before they met with her.

[@stephaniesullivan4180]

My favorite part of these adoption videos (well, besides the child getting their forever home of course) is when they get off the airplane and their entire family and friends are there to greet them home. It's always so sweet to see how the community loves them from the minute they see them.

[@Jesus_Cristo777Cabo_Verde]

people like you has a big and great heart....the world need more people like that, god bless you.

[@pragyasankhla2496]

Love to even those women who took care of her and many other abandoned children...it might be tough for them too the way she was attached to that woman...it shows their love...lot of respect and love...

[@146shell]

Hi, I just wanted to send some love to you all.. Such a lovely family. Ignore the sad and rude comments X

[@oldetoniantoryboy2932]

This is really inspiring. You have been blessed by the Lord.

[@shitalwadewale224]

Only I can say is .. after watching this adoption story I felt the existence of God and infinite love

[@TheChoiceofMotherhood]

Thank you for sharing! I'm trying to adopt a little girl with Down Syndrome, just trying to save up enough money to bring her home

[@loko7914]

Any update on this?!?! I would love to know!!!

[@travelingbeyondboundaries]

@@loko7914 my agency that I was working with lost their license so I had to restart everything again. Finally picked up my daughter September 14 (three months ago today!). This is my daily vlogging channel and Finding My Star is my main channel. I have videos on my main channel sharing the entire journey and my vlogging channel (A Few Extra Dragons) with the adoption trip videos and coming home ☺️

[@loko7914]

@@travelingbeyondboundaries I just went and watched! I’m so happy for you!!! I’m sorry you went through all that for 5 years, but I’m so happy you were matched with your little girl. Must be wild looking back at your comment

[@travelingbeyondboundaries]

@@loko7914 thank you so much! Yes, it's always crazy to see my comments from the past 😊

[@ThisBubblyJESUSFreak]

Cried watching this! Your adoption story of precious, sweet Eden reminds me of how God has adopted us by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We can now be heirs with the risen Lord if we place our faith in Him and turn away from sin. What love! How amazing!

[@HarshvardhanNigam11]

there are really very few videos which really touch my heart . i can't describe my feelings right . you guys are awesome .i just dont have words . big love to Meg and Eden from India

[@dhanrajshelkeart]

I can tell you how much I cried see edan happy with you 😢, I am very happy for edan and for you, you both are real human being may god be with your family and god bless you.

[@Alyssaajaadee]

I really hope that i will have the opportunity to adopt one day.. I hope that i can get involved.. this really pulled on my heartstrings! So truly amazing, thank you for sharing your beautiful story

[@corineng7488]

I have just viewed your Instagram profile. Oh my! What a beautiful girl Eden has grown to be! She is just gorgeous. And you have a little baby boy now too.

[@TheBronzedAngel]

When she grows up and sees this vid....i hope she realises how much she was loved from the beginning by you guys.

[@doubtingmustafa]

God bless your family. The unconditional love and patience you have for sweet Eden brought tears to my eyes. I love how snuggly she seems, and I love how lit up she was when she was playing with her new sister. Blessings!

[@amandaschlensker5716]

Oh my god.....you have restored my faith in humanity and my confidence that my 3yo Step son can see me as a caring, nurturing figure in his life even though I am not his biological parent. thank you so much for sharing and making me weep at my desk.

[@larissaguiroto]

I really need to say that I’ve watched your video a hundred times and every single time I’ve cried rivers! I’ve also showed all my students and friends. Thanks for sharing this amazing story! Thanks for sharing love and affection! ♥️🙏🏻

[@jaine000]

When good people do good things... Miracles can happen . God bless you and your beautiful children. From England.

[@DottyGale8]

While watching this video, I was trying to think of what I could say about it. And I think "thank you" fits. Thank you for taking this precious life into your family. What a beautiful story! And what adorable girls - both of them! I can tell they're going to be close, wonderful sisters to each other. Congratulations on your family!

[@yulianaprieto5203]

That baby suffered a lot but God put you around her to protect and love her.

[@ravneet7702]

Respect for you guys! Its great to see people care

[@510alex9]

She's so beautiful😍😢😢

[@esmeesme7666]

You are amazing people!❤️❤️❤️❤️ What a sweet girl and daughter!! Oh how I wish we had adopted when we were younger. We have 2 grown kids but love watching and learning about adoptions. All the best for 2020!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@sangitashilpi2638]

I don't know why I can't stop my tears. You guys are simply wonderful. Lots of love to your beautiful family. Both of your daughters are beautiful angels..! Stay happy.. 😊

[@danielbray4266]

The Lord has led us to do the same as you two have. During our time of fasting to see if this was God's will for our lives, we came across your video and story. What a divine appointment to come across it! Thank you! For even though it has been over a year since you brought her home, your story is touching the lives of others who are beginning their journeys of adopting from India. Blessings to you all.

[@blessedcherry2407]

What a beautiful beginning to your family's adoption story! Thank you for allowing God to use you and your family to witness to others about the hope of adoption.

[@keepoo246810]

You can tell right away that the people who adopted Eden are two very special individuals. It takes a lot of emotional strength and spousal support even, when attempting to adopt because as many know, it is not a quick and simple process. They seem like incredible parents. So happy for this whole family.

[@aishwaryajekte7888]

I respect you from bottom of my heart, you are real superheros for saving her lives

[@CyrusOfNaias]

Adoption is one of the noblest things I could think of people doing. The amount of time and energy spent into raising children should not be understated. Beautiful story. Best wishes

[@ssivakami]

Thats beautiful! God Bless you parents for choosing to adopt her! God Bless you both for generations to come!

[@Chudoya01]

What an inspiring journey. May the blessing of God be with you and your family.

[@aymaachchan9859]

I cry watching this video. . You both are not humans but God for that little girl ... She is so blessed. .. Be like this for ever and God bless you all ..

[@KaleidoscopeEffect]

Such a beautiful story! :) Have you take her to the hospital to know what could be done about her hands? She doesn't seem to have problem moving around though. Your two little girls are beautiful! I wish your family the best of lucks :)

[@LifeInReversePaula]

You guys are awesome! I adopted in the U.S. I didn't have the travel across the world, but I do understand the journey. It's not easy in the U.S. But it's worth it. I love my little one to the moon and back. Thanks for sharing!

[@poornahaque5658]

I absolutely loved this video. made me cry happy tears

[@tanyaspringer5638]

Honestly so incredibly beautiful! I LOVE how raw and real you guys were with your fears,hopes and struggles. I was rocked emotionally watching Eden's reaction from feeling like she was being pulled away from her home at the orphanage but then watching how she flourished with your safety and love! Thank you guys so much for sharing

[@corib1501]

So beautiful. This video depicts the anxiety and anticipation and pure excitement and bliss of the adoption process. Thank you so much for sharing this as it is stories like these that ease my fears of beginning this process. My hubby and I cannot wait to start a family of our own, and that includes adopting a special needs child. I will say this, the thought of how long the process is makes my head spin but it will all be worth it when we get to see our child smile (or cry) for the first time. :] Best wishes to your family!

[@meekosamamerica122]

Nothing in the world matters when you are touched with love

[@shalvinadeo4733]

Just 1 day I will be having someone just like her or him. God till then give me strength and enough power to go through all💕

[@hayer70]

You guys are simply awesome, beautiful people

[@CASpyder]

Beautiful story! Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.

[@Music_World510]

you gave a new beautiful life to the child god bless you to your whole family

[@melvinvinny9]

“ I Really Thank God for giving this life, i was getting tears when i saw this video, Our Father who is in heaven he told he will never leave us alone nor forsaken he will come to us. This is the example adopting a baby he will surely show his Glory through them and he will be glorified forever and ever..! Im soo glad what u have done. And im 18yrs old... and i was thinking to adopte a child when I grown up..!!! Tq and i luv u...!!!

[@rajnikanth7630]

People like you make us believe God does exist in heart .God bless this wonderful family

[@bellak46]

Had tears in my eyes at the end. This is so beautiful. Congratulations on your two beautiful girls. 💗

[@chgonz503]

I've watched this probably 30 times. You guys are pure inspiration, the quality and editing is amazing. But I especially love how you have shown the reality, explained her loss, and shown her perspective. I think when people think adoption it's a big happy meeting, thank you for shining the light on the most tragic and beautiful moment for all parties.

[@Jufryqc]

Beautiful story. My wife and I are going through the foster to adopt program now with our state and can't wait to accept a little one in our home. There are so many children in this world who need a place to live and need to be loved.

[@mangalakoti1698]

Its so touching story ...its so emotional ..i cried and cried watching this heart rendering video...kudos to the parents and their daughter Meg to accept a sister and to give such a warm welcome to eden...lots of love to this family..stay blessed guys :))

[@Amrit_3]

I cried happy tears for you... you are truly amazing Waheguru bless your family.. love from India

[@parthiban3271]

That small girl child giving doll it was mind blowing , its love ,its will spread all people heart this world will be turn to haven.

[@johannathomas4441]

Thank you for adopting a child, I'm also adopted and greatful for giving us a wonderful life.... I SALUTE YOU!!!!

[@nellkuo]

I feel so shame for myself when I watching your video, I don't have the kind of love to love a disabled child, I think that's why I'm still single, you couple really from heaven.

[@musratmira3846]

This is so beautiful. Made me cry. Nothing is more beautiful than saving a life and make a difference.

[@rachelgeer9157]

Thank you so much, Followell family. I've been really anxious about my desire to adopt. There are so many reasons I can't, but I'm realizing those are all excuses to cover my fear. Your story has really helped to galvanized my heart. I believe the Lord gave me this desire, even at such a young age, for a purpose. He doesn't give us a godly passion just to frustrate us. Would you please pray that He would give me courage to act?

[@sumanvyas6761]

You are great couple and so are others who adopted special care children. Don't know why in India every child is screened to last cell before adoption. I being a single male without any supporting family could not adopt . I visit a orphanage in Hyderabad and take care of few children. 3 of them got adopted but never came to know what happened to them later. you are so great that shared in open about your journey. I know of a child who i cared and whose adoption was disrupted because of adjustment issues in US . Please help me if you can

[@coleensays4683]

I'm in tears watching this video.. May God bless your family...

[@ahmedshareef2859]

To god: More people like them needed here. Send them as quickly as possible.

[@Sita_Schioetz]

I'm adopted from India too! i wish Eden all the best of luck she is so cute!

[@heatherclark3866]

I didn't even get half way through before I cried. I feel so happy that she has a nice home and is now safe with people that love her, but it was heart-breaking to watch her confusion and how scared she was being handed over to strangers. I can understand why she was rejected at birth... India is a very poor country, and marriage/sex between family members is frequent, resulting in birth deformities............. they don't have the wonderful NHS so wouldn't have been able to cope or pay for proper medical treatment........ I just hope that Eden doesn't dwell on her birth parents or the other families that rejected her - she was wanted by these two special people. Congratulations on becoming parents again.

[@sudhanshumanhas79]

You guys are Angels in a human's body....God's with you every moment..

[@MrHaydnSir]

i nearly cried at "flying on a plane to rescue Eden" oh my god incredible story, hope you don't mind i'm gonna use it for an assignment, its one of the best

[@suegoulding1341]

Thank you so much for looking after your beautiful baby !!!

[@kristaklassen7596]

Love your story!! Update?!

[@robbyfollowell2459]

Thanks for following along! Check out our Instagram page for a whole lot of updates! Seems doing phenomenally well! Instagram.com/rfollowell

[@aylaslanina113]

So beautiful. I had always considered adoption in my future but now there is no doubt in my mind that this is where i want to be one day. Many blessings to you and your family xx

[@spacecadet1248]

I'm most certainly going to be adopting when I get older! Every child deserves someone to love them

[@myopinionsdocount]

When i watched your video it was so humbling and beautiful. I cried a lot but in good way. I have utmost respect for your guys for not only adopting a child who needs a home but also adopting a child who needs additional care and love. Definitely showing this to my husband. Thank you for being an inspiration to many people like us and hopefully we get to learn and do something good and beautiful like this in the future. Thank you!

[@MrsRDJerr]

Such a beautiful family!! What a blessing. Congratulations for all of you. ((:

[@achilles6445]

thank you so much for sharing the love of JESUS to my country... bless you

[@malluru8692]

This is the most inspiring and touch story that I have ever seen so far.. You guys REALLY have big hearts and restored faith in humanity..

[@kamalinimalhotra2695]

These little kids are so uncertain, so in secure. It 8s heart wrenching It is an angelic feat. Of these angels sent by God to be the little babies parents

[@pnrv]

Such a beautiful story. Blessed are the parents and the family that took in that beautiful child and gave her a completely different future and life. Stay blessed all of you!

[@GurpreetKaur-wp3iy]

having kidz of ur own and still showering other kid with dat much of love.u guys are angels😗😗😗

[@santoshkumar-nz6kw]

You shown God's love by adopting the girl Eden. God bless your family.

[@pinkybhardwaj9373]

Respect for all of you . Thanks for adopting her and giving her a home. Sweet home. So much love . Blessings from india

[@denaziaday8104]

This story made me cry this is such a beautiful story and thank u for sharing

[@Luciawren]

Thank you for sharing your story of international/trans-racial adoption. I work in Special Education and it warms my heart to see the adoption of children with physical/mental/behavioral disabilities or impairments. I see that you have adopted outside your racial group. It is important for adoptive parents to expose their children to members of their same racial group. I would know, I am Arab-America and I grew up in an all white society and extended family. Since I moved to a more racially diverse city, I have gained more friends that looks like me and understand my hair lol :) I have taken enough children psych/racial minority classes to know how important it is to understand your surrounding culture and how you should protect your child from EVER feeling "weird" or ostracized. This includes teaching them to love and take care of their specific hair type (straight, textured, coarse ext.). I have to travel to a hair salon that understands ethnic hair, for example! If it's difficult for you to understand why it is important to expose your Indian child to other Indian people/Indian culture, just image living your whole life in India as a white person. You would be the ethnic minority and you may feel the desire to know other white people. You both seem like awesome people and great parents :)

[@NeverIntimidated]

The first thing they could have done to honor her heritage is to keep her Indian name. Why do 'mericans need to whitewash everyone they come in contact with!

[@user-vd2jk7dl3p]

NeverIntimidated Eden is not an Anglican name. It is middle eastern. This little girl is not "other" she is apart of the family just like their other child so she should a name given by her parents just like her sister. And when you adopt a child from a foreign country you can name them whatever you want.

[@abhishekkhatiwada6720]

u know what love??? u r ignorant and u know nothng about the history of kolkata ie. india. So as you know eden is much more meaningful in india as you think. so gof bless you.

[@abhishekkhatiwada6720]

u know what love??? u r ignorant and u know nothng about the history of kolkata ie. india. So as you know eden is much more meaningful in india as you think. so gof bless you.

[@abhishekkhatiwada6720]

u know what love??? u r ignorant and u know nothng about the history of kolkata ie. india. So as you know eden is much more meaningful in india as you think. so gof bless you.

[@TinyHomesteadBlog]

Eden is so calm. She must knew she came home.

[@dn6418]

Wow u r not humans but angels on earth hats off to u both

[@rahulv9107]

Thank you guys love from India. really felt sad ,those who rejected her should see this video

[@marcmoreau9411]

Une ovation à l'arrivée à l'aéroport , c'est sublime , 2 magnifiques baby girls si différentes , mais complices dès les premiers instants , c'est beau , émouvant , bravo les parents .... vive la vie !!!

[@rebeccamandelos3164]

A precious little girl , that will have a great loving life with this awesome family.💟🕉💟✝️

[@dyinginfamous7883]

Best video i have watched in my entire life...its just randomly came on my youtube feed... I just wanna say thanks that Because of people like you in this world is making a big positive difference! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!

[@yashibasanil123]

You people are gems. I have so much respect for you two. May god bless your family. :)

[@sreedevinambiar2483]

This is beautiful. I really go for adoption after seeing this

[@haleyshelton158]

This,. This is a beautiful story. Thank you for telling it through Eden's eyes. Thanks for honoring her life as it is. I am glad in this.

[@girishchincholikar]

Just want to say - You guys are great with a BIG ❤️ and May God give you the Peace and happiness you are looking for. I specially like the moment when the entire family came to Airport to receive the adopted kid. So much ❤️, I just burst out 😭at that moment.

[@DezCobbs]

There is something in my eye, I swear I'm not crying...

[@jinks6887]

You guys are so pure and just filled with love. God bless you and your entire family

[@abhijitbasak]

can't control my tear falling