AJ & Katharine

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to review our page. We hope to provide an accurate and helpful glimpse into our life that may bring greater peace of mind to yours. Living in rural South Dakota, our life together is centered around faith, hard work, family and service. The desire to expand our family ultimately led us to recognize our call to adoption, which holds a very special place in our hearts. The seed was planted many years ago, and we now know that this is God’s desire for our family. Please know of our prayers for you as we look forward to learning more of your own story and desires for your child.

About Us

Four years ago, we were introduced by an adopted family member at Katharine’s aunt’s surprise birthday party. As things continued falling into place, our families met, we grew in faith together, married, and tackled a house renovation, multiple moves and new jobs with the goal of living closer to the family farm.

We both work full time, in addition to taking part in the farm business, while continuing to prioritize our marriage and family. Some of our favorite things include road trips, tractor suppers, family board game nights, and attending church together. Our personalities are fairly opposite, but values are aligned, leading to an entertaining, but steady team.

We are thrilled to be expecting a little one in December of 2026 and hope to further grow our family through adoption. We look forward to sharing our faith, family, and farm chores with our children.

About Katharine

Katharine grew up in a military family with three brothers, moving all over the world. University pursuits and extended family roots in the Midwest brought her to the Dakotas where she eventually met AJ.

As an Occupational Therapist, Katharine cherishes the ability to work primarily with older adults in a rural clinic and hospital setting facilitating engagement in meaningful occupation. Working in a larger town allows for a close proximity to multiple daycare providers and the private school we would choose for our children to attend.

AJ says: Katharine is a good listener, empathetic and patient.

Her interests include:

About AJ

AJ grew up in South Dakota, with two brothers and a sister, all contributing to the legacy of the family farm. After college, AJ worked and lived in Minnesota where he became involved with the volunteer fire department.

As a sales manager in agriculture, AJ enjoys visiting with sales reps and customers throughout the Midwest, helping them make the most profitable decisions for their operations. AJ typically works from home and is able to head to the farm and appointments when he is not needed in the office. We are also fortunate to have parents who live close and would be able to provide assistance in the instance of sick children who cannot go to daycare.

Katharine says: AJ is outgoing, detail oriented and a good leader.

His interests include:

Our Family

Growing up, our families shared similar values, even while living very different lifestyles. AJ learned the value of hard work on the farm alongside his family, while Katharine learned to lean on family as a constant amidst frequent change. We appreciate the companionship of learning, teaching and working together — at home, on the farm, and in our spiritual journeys. As we’ve blended our values and life experiences, we are continually reminded of the wonderful ways God works in each of us, no matter what background or stage of life.

We are blessed to live close to our parents and some siblings while receiving the opportunity to travel in order to visit others, remaining close to each member. Hosting family and friends for game night meals and yearly camping trips are some things we are excited to continue doing with our children.

Adoption already plays a role within our family. We most likely would not have met if it hadn’t been for a close cousin and friend who was adopted.

Our family is supportive and excited about our adoption plans!

Our Home in South Dakota

We live in rural South Dakota, in a two-story house on an acreage two miles from the family farm. Our house consists of 4 bedrooms, the largest of which will hold our nursery. We just finished painting our nursery, moved in the crib and are excited to begin adding other needed items. The connectedness of our main floor is unique as the kitchen, living room and dining room form a circle enabling for conversation and close proximity, even from different rooms.

We enjoy the quiet & peace of rural living while being blessed to live close to multiple family members and trustworthy neighbors. Home cooked meals are a favorite in our home. Caring for our home includes housecleaning and maintenance, lawn mowing and gardening, cattle chores and fencing.

Year round, we appreciate helping with the cattle. However, early spring is always extra special watching new calves arrive and grow. We are grateful to hear and watch them play from the kitchen window. Our dog, Belle, loves keeping watch in our yard and going for rides in the farm pickup.

Our Promise

We promise to love your child unconditionally. We will put their needs above our own, including learning more about you and continually supporting this relationship, if you are open to it.

Together, we will foster a safe home environment, encourage continual learning, and lean on our family and church for support. Listening to the laughter of children throughout our home is our version of perfect.

As we deeply value family relationships, we promise to maintain open communication by sharing pictures, videos and occasionally meeting in person, as desired. Our prayers for you and your child are sincere and ongoing.

We’d love to talk or answer any of your questions. Please call or text Lifetime at 1.800.923.6784.

In Closing

Together, we feel called to share our life and values with children and pray that our call to adopt may be the answer to someone’s prayers. We desire to expand our family and are equipped to care for multiple children in all aspects, especially with the presence of our strong support system. Our belief in the importance of communication and loyalty results in our willingness to communicate via phone (social media, text, email, etc.) regularly and schedule visits, if you want. We envision providing for the basic needs of our children, cherishing them for who they are, guiding them to love the Lord, and watching them grow in the midst of an extended family and community who will love them just as much.

“Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you”
Isaiah 43:4