The Stecklein's Story & Video

“When we were engaged, we knew we wanted to have a larger family relative to what is normal in this culture,” Kelton said. “We were blessed to be able to have Kolby, a healthy little boy who is such a treasure of ours. As Kolby was getting older, we found ourselves having secondary infertility and not able to have a family the way we planned in our minds.”
While the Steckleins were deeply discouraged by this unplanned setback, they were committed to welcoming a family in whatever way they were called. That’s when they began contemplating adoption.



“Kelton has a good friend who has gone through the adoption process. So, adoption has always been something that was around us,” Jill said. “Kelton and I felt that if we could have this really strong marriage and family unit, that we would want to expand on that love and offer it to other families who were needing more support for a baby.”

Eager to continue their journey to parenthood, the Steckleins contacted Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas and enrolled in the adoption program. “We did a fair amount of research, so we knew there would be time waiting, many processes like a home study, and the potential for birth parents to choose or not choose us,” Jill said. “While these things were still hard to walk through, we knew what to expect. I call it a different type of labor. It was a labor of the heart.”

The Steckleins had been waiting patiently and hopefully for three years when they received a call from Megan Pfannenstiel, Hays pregnancy and adoption specialist.

“The patience was growing on us. We knew it could happen, but it could be in a year or 10 years,” Kelton said. “We were on our way to Kansas City when we received a call from Megan saying there was a baby girl - our daughter Gianna - born yesterday and the parents want to place her for adoption and that they chose us to be the adoptive parents. We went from not even knowing about Gianna to signing adoption papers in less than 24 hours.”

After hearing this life-changing news, the Steckleins promptly turned around to head to the hospital, silently praying along the way. When the time finally came for them to meet Gianna, a million thoughts were swirling through their minds.

“That first meeting we were nervous. Are we going to walk in and feel like this is still right? There was still a chance the decision could be changed by the birth parents,” Kelton said. “We walked into the nursery and there she was. Jill walked over and took Gianna in her arms.”

When the time came for Gianna’s biological parents to sign the adoption papers, the Steckleins relied on the power of prayer to intercede.

“At that point, in our mind and heart, we knew we could not imagine leaving the hospital without Gianna, but it was still not completely within our control,” Kelton said. “We decided to pray the Rosary. About 10 seconds after we finished our Rosary, Megan knocked on the door and said Gianna’s biological parents signed the adoption papers. Our hearts were overjoyed.”

The Steckleins then had the opportunity to meet Gianna’s birth parents, which was a deeply moving experience.

“We were able to tell them how grateful we were for the loving decision they were making,” Kelton said. “You could see they loved Gianna so much; they were in tears. I promised Gianna’s birth father that I would treasure her with everything I have. It was a powerful connection we will always remember.”

Now, over four months from that blessed day, the Steckleins say Gianna has enriched their family’s life in countless ways.

“One of the nicest surprises has been the transition,” Jill said. “Like, wow, we just had a surprise baby, but she was completely supposed to be here. Her big brother’s excitement has been a big treasure, as well. We see what a gift adoption is. All of the prayer and people surrounding this experience make it extra special.”

The Steckleins urge all who are considering adoption to contact Catholic Charities, as it has helped toward their goal of growing their family.

“Don’t be afraid of the unknown in the adoption world,” Kelton said. “Go to prayer and trust the Lord and his timing. I could not recommend Catholic Charities higher. They have changed our life for the better in such a profound way. It is powerful to know they were not only working with us but praying with us.”

To learn more about Catholic Charities Adoption Program, please visit ccnks.org/adoption