Johan and Jami - Plymouth, Minnesota

Dear Birthmother,

Since you are reading our letter, you must have made the decision to look for an adoptive family for your child. This incredibly difficult and unselfish decision makes you both a courageous and a generous person. We feel honored that you are reading our letter and hope that the sacrifice you are making will enable us to provide a solid family and a loving home for your child. But we also understand that God may direct you to select another family.

About us
We are currently a family of three and a little dog. Our beautiful urban neighborhood has an abundance of bike and walking paths just outside our door as well as shops and a nearby movie theater. We live in a two-story house with all bedrooms upstairs and can’t wait to choose a room for our youngest son or daughter.

We are a Christian family and are actively involved in a good church that offers many activities for children of different ages. Our faith is our compass. It is the center of our family life wherever we are and whomever we meet. We know we are not perfect but depend on God’s grace for our purpose.

Johan was born and raised in Sweden, and Jami is originally from North Carolina. We met as college students in Asheville, NC in 1988 and were married in 1990. Immediately after our graduation from college we moved to Sweden where Johan started medical school. Jami was eager to learn Swedish and experience Johan’s culture, but the adjustment to life in Sweden was difficult at first. However, with time we would enjoy a wonderful life and know many dear friends. Johan pursued a career in surgery and Jami worked as a copywriter. Our son Jakob was born in 1999.

In 2005, Johan was offered an exciting job opportunity in Minnesota and despite being happy in Sweden, we both felt it was a good time to come back to the US. After more than four years here, we feel that Minnesota is now our home, and we plan to stay here.

Naturally, we spend many vacations visiting family and friends or hosting them in our home. We have always said we want to have an open home so that people feel free to visit. This means dinner at our house often includes a mix of international and American guests, which keeps things interesting.

We enjoy having guests, following and discussing current events & politics, church activities, music, sports and being involved in all of Jakob’s activities. He attends a private Christian school, as would our second child. His big interests are currently skyscrapers, skiing, reading and playing the piano. We feel very blessed that Jami is able to work from home as a freelance writer and is home every morning when Jakob leaves for school as well as every afternoon when he returns.

About Johan as told by Jami
Johan is the love of my life. Even after nearly 20 years of marriage, I still feel so blessed to be with him! I can honestly say that even after all this time, he is the kindest and most honest person I have ever known. Johan is also an incredibly fun and positive person while at the same time very wise and stable. I cherish our discussions and his insights into every aspect of our life.

It’s obvious that Johan loves being a dad. He is proactive in everything from helping with homework to being involved in kid’s activities at church to simply listening when Jakob needs someone to talk to. I know that he sees his role as father as that of a “life coach” – to guide and offer support and advice instead of simply making decisions.

About Jami as told by Johan
Jami is whom I have coffee with in the morning and she is who I long to get together with as soon as I get home. She is the one whom I miss most and earliest when I am away from home. She is a sincere Christian and she is my wife. My love for her has grown deeper over the years and I think that is because of all the little quiet things she does to make our family life so good.

When you first meet Jami she will not be the person that initially stands out in a group, but she will very likely be the one that you appreciate most after some time. Jami is athletic, you may be surprised to know she has a past as a collegiate division I tennis player. She has impressed, and perhaps surprised, many by being successful with her freelance writing business, but despite this she is soft spoken and has always thought about our family first. She has given me a home and Jakob a wonderful childhood. I know that she will love and provide for our next child in the same special way that she has for Jakob.

With this short presentation of ourselves, we have done our best to give you a sincere picture of who we are. We pray that God will bless you and guide your decisions as you consider families for your child.

Johan, Jami & Jakob

Return to List of Waiting Families