Virginia Adoption Story

Adopting a way of life
After close to 10 years of marriage, Mike and Melissa Hartzler still had not realized their hope of becoming parents.

For many couples, this would seem a harsh reality. For Melissa Hartzler, it was a push into a long-cherished dream.

“I had wanted to adopt well before we were even married,” explained the Waynesboro woman, recalling how the idea came to her while watching a program about the plight of girls in China. “I thought, ‘Gosh, I’ve got to get one of those girls. I’ve got to get one of those babies.’ Your whole thought is that these children need to be saved. It’s overwhelming, and that feeling just sticks with you.”