A Unique Beginning
Families form in many different ways—and for Lester and Vannessa, it all started with a television commercial.
Vannessa had always carried a quiet hope in her heart: to one day foster to adopt. But she had never spoken to Lester about it.
Then, one evening while visiting family and watching TV, a commercial about fostering to adopt came on. It caught Lester’s attention. “It stuck with me,” he says. “When we got home, I started Googling ‘foster to adopt.’”
When Lester brought it up, Vannessa was stunned—in the best way. “I felt like God was answering my prayers,” she says. It was clear they were both being pulled in the same direction. Together, they reached out to Wayfinder Family Services and began their journey.
After completing Wayfinder’s thorough training for prospective foster and adoptive parents, they waited patiently. Three potential matches fell through. And then, came Alex.
Meeting Alex
“We visited him at his foster home in Sacramento,” Les recalls. “And we just immediately fell in love.”
Alex was a sweet five-year-old boy whose birth parents had relinquished their rights shortly after he was born. That helped accelerate the adoption process. “Once he moved in,” Les says, “we just had to wait six months until he was officially part of the family.”
Growing Love
Months later, Wayfinder reached out again. Would Les and Vannessa consider adopting another child? Their hearts were open.
This time, the process took longer. They were eventually matched with Mia, a compassionate and expressive two-year-old who was still having visits with her birth mom. Over time, visitations ended, and her birth mother gave up parental rights.
Mia had been living with a warm and nurturing foster mother who remained part of her life. “My wife still texts her,” Les shares. “She always asks about Mia.”
Shortly after joining the family, Mia’s preschool called with a question—was Mia on the autism spectrum? “That’s when we realized—oh, that explains some behaviors,” Les says.
They jumped into action, got Mia assessed and immersed themselves in understanding her needs. Though school can still be tough, especially socially, Mia is slowly finding her rhythm. Her parents can’t imagine life without her.
Family Ties
Later, they learned that Alex has two older sisters—and they naturally welcomed them into their extended family.
The girls are included in family gatherings and milestones. They keep up with Alex’s basketball schedule and lovingly call Les and Vannessa “Uncle” and “Auntie.”
Prepared With Purpose
Les credits Wayfinder for preparing them for this journey. “The training and support groups were incredible,” he says. “We got to connect with others going through the same experience.”
A Heart for Giving
Today, Les and Vannessa are proud supporters of Wayfinder. From volunteering at toy drives to sharing their story, they give back with full hearts.
“I always believed in doing my part,” Les says. “I talk to Alex about how many kids are still out there needing a family—and how blessed we are to be together.”
Vannessa adds, “I truly believe God brought this all together. When Les brought up fostering to adopt, I knew it was a divine nudge. I had prayed for this, and suddenly, we were living it. Our story is a testament to love, faith and the beauty of saying yes—even to the unexpected.”
May 19, 2025