Families in the present day appear significantly distinct from those of 50 years ago. Interracial marriages are now widely accepted, while adoption and foster care offer children the opportunity for a permanent home. It’s not unusual to find families consisting of parents and children from diverse ethnic backgrounds and skin tones.

Aaron and Rachel Halbert firmly hold the belief that racial tensions in our nation, particularly in the southern region where they were raised, should never be allowed to hinder a child’s chance at having a loving family.

After facing years of infertility struggles, Rachel and Aaron opted for an alternative path to create their family: adoption. With open hearts, they joyfully embraced a young boy and girl, both of whom had darker skin tones, into their forever family.

Aware of the potential reactions, particularly in the Southern region where they resided, Aaron acknowledged, “We were aware that a white couple with non-white children would elicit a range of responses.” They were prepared for encounters such as the disapproving gaze from an elderly white woman at Walmart or the disheartened head shake from an African-American mother.

However, their unwavering love prevailed, and the couple cherished every aspect of their unique family. Being missionaries in Honduras, this Christian couple was driven by a deep desire to extend their family and embrace more lives.

Afterward, they stumbled upon the concept of embryo adoption. This process involves implanting embryos that have been cryopreserved for a number of years in a Christian embryo bank—15 years in their case—into the mother’s womb, thereby offering these embryo infants a chance at life.

Aaron expounded, “If Christians—or anyone—truly believe that life begins at conception, it logically follows that we should be open to supporting embryo adoption and potentially participating in it ourselves.”

Rachel and Aaron were motivated by the notion that having their new baby “match” their siblings, rather than their white parents, would help break down racial stigmas.

While well aware that their choice was contentious and culturally unconventional, the couple was steadfast in their conviction that it was the right decision for them. The prospect of a white mother giving birth to three black children isn’t an everyday occurrence, but Rachel was resolute in facing any potential criticism with the unwavering support of her husband.

They decided to implant two cryopreserved African American embryos, following the established procedure. However, a surprise awaited them: one of the embryos split within the womb, and six weeks later, the couple discovered they were expecting triplets!

In April, the trio of girls arrived, born as healthy triplets.

“It’s been truly heartwarming to witness nearly all of our friends and family show unwavering support for our family and the unconventional paths we’ve taken to build it,” Aaron shared. “To us, we’re simply living out our dream—an unconventional dream that might not fit the mold of the typical family, yet one for which we are profoundly grateful, especially considering our nation’s history.”

Reflecting on their journey, Aaron emphasized that their current family dynamic wasn’t precisely what he and Rachel had envisioned twelve years ago when they were dating and discussing the prospect of adoption. “But oh, how immensely grateful we are for God’s blessings, manifesting in these wonderful little souls He’s entrusted to our care.”

“I can remember a friend going through the adoption process telling me he had always wanted his family to look like a little United Nations. As I look at my growing family, I prefer to take it a step further, daring to hope that our family picture is a little hint of Heaven.”

The look on this proud papa’s face as he holds their three little ones says it all.

While the glances and criticism of their interracial family have been unpleasant at times, the couple couldn’t be more pleased with their decision.

Not only is it wonderful that Rachel was able to have a child, but the Halbert family of seven is also a live example of what God has called us to as brothers and sisters in Christ

“We hold the belief that when you gaze into the eyes of any individual, you’re gazing at the countenance of a bearer of God’s image—a being with an eternal soul,” Aaron explained. “While this truth serves as a shared foundation for all of humanity, it doesn’t lessen the significance of our racial distinctions. Instead, we view the diverse physical attributes within the human family as awe-inspiring testaments to God’s extraordinary creativity.”