Adding to the family: Local couple seeks to adopt

“Adoptions are often equal parts planning and praying,” it reads on Scott and Naomi Rieland’s gofundme page.

The Rielands are raising funds to assist them in the adoption process. The journey began long ago…

Scott and Naomi were married in 2008 after meeting in Fergus Falls in 2003. Scott proposed to her on their college graduation day. The couple moved to Tea in 2009.

Scott has focused his life’s work on helping others as a firefighter in the Sioux Falls Fire Department and through volunteering with the Tea Fire Department. Naomi is a Social Worker who has dedicated her life to working with underprivileged populations, particularly as a Young Fatherhood Re-Entry Coach to young men who had been previously incarcerated. She also works with marginalized populations of children who are struggling with their education. Naomi currently works at the Tea Area Middle School.

The couple have three children, Zach is 8, William 6, and Harrison is 4. Sadly, they have suffered several miscarriages, most recently in 2016.

Even with a full house—three boys and a new puppy—Scott and Naomi have long felt that their family is not quite complete. Through prayer, discussion and their own work experiences, they have felt called to adopt.

According to Naomi, the moment they “knew” was the end of October. She shared, “I saw a photo that is proving to be a life-changing picture. On one of the waiting children Facebook groups I am in, there was a picture of ‘Celia’. That’s not her name, but what they called her on public pages. She was our girl! There was no denying that we needed her just as much as she needed us. I sent her picture to Scott, who normally hates seeing actual faces because it is heartbreaking. He was all in! I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I contacted the placing agency and got her information. She has some pretty complex heart issues and needs another surgery soon. But, as we would with our other kiddos, we have the resources to help her so why wouldn’t we?”

Loign to read the rest.