Our Stories
What does adoption really look like? What happens on a mission trip? How does a small act of generosity change a life?
You’ll find the answers in our stories.
For more than 30 years, we’ve come alongside vulnerable children and families through international adoption, mission trips, humanitarian projects, adoption training, and family support. The work looks different from story to story, but each one gives us a glimpse of the hope, challenges, faith, and transformation that happen along the way.
Take a look inside these stories and see the impact for yourself. And if America World has been part of your story, we’d love for you to share it with us.
Steps of Faith
After six years of waiting, unexpected changes, and trusting God one step at a time, Faith and Frankie Ferrante finally welcomed their daughter, Dahlia, home from India. Read how their family stepped out in faith and experienced the joy of watching God bring their daughter home.
We Said “Yes” to an Older Child
When Nina and Caleb Hundley felt called to adopt, they chose to welcome an older child into their family. In this heartfelt story, Nina shares the challenges, unexpected joys, and why she'd encourage other families not to let age stand in the way of saying yes.
When God Changes a Heart
Eight years after adopting their first son, the Mackey family said “yes” to a little boy with a congenital heart defect. Through fear, trust, and groundbreaking surgery, they watched Amos’s life — and their own hearts — be transformed. This story is a powerful reminder that every child is worth saying yes to, and that healing can come in the most extraordinary ways.
Love Was Waiting: The Palmeri Family’s Story
After months of prayer and waiting, the Palmeri family finally met their daughter, Abijah Jasmine, in a quiet orphanage office in Bihar, India. It was a moment that would change their lives forever. Their story is a powerful reminder that even the hardest steps of adoption can lead to the beautiful gift of belonging.
“Do What It Says”
“Do what it says.” Those words from James 1 transformed the Nicosons’ hearts and rewrote their family’s story. What started as a comfortable life with three daughters became an incredible journey of faith that led them to India — and to their son, Silas.
Adopting Siblings
When Julie Griggs and her husband said yes to adoption, they never imagined going from zero to three overnight. In this heartfelt interview, Julie shares the joys, challenges, and incredible blessings of bringing a sibling group home from India — and why keeping siblings together can make all the difference.
The Calling on My Heart
What began as a college mission trip to India became a calling that would span years, continents, and countless prayers. Through fear, waiting, and unwavering faith, the Mattingly family’s journey unfolded in ways they never could have imagined… leading them to the daughter meant just for them.
Say “Yes” Afraid
Cameron and Brooke Amigo were told their son might only live a few short years, but they said yes to adoption anyway. Discover how faith, unexpected connections, and extraordinary medical care transformed Sammy’s story from uncertainty to a future filled with hope.