When we envisage the children God will bless us with, we picture them as joyous, whole, and capable of great things in the world. No parent anticipates learning that their child has special needs. When I discovered my kid was on the autistic spectrum, it hit me like a gut punch. I’ve often wondered what her life would be like. After 23 years, I now have three autistic children.

My feelings are similar to Dan and Julie’s, and I am grateful for how uniquely formed they are, how they perceive the world, and what they add to mine. The most difficult barrier to overcome when raising special needs children is fear of the unknown. Dan and Julie first doubted their ability to care for twin boys with Down Syndrome. They decided to adopt their sons rather than terminate the pregnancy.

“We were terrified, scared, and worried, and we didn’t know if we could handle the responsibility,” said Julie. They had even found a family interested in adopting their boys. But something prickled Julie’s heartstrings, and her husband felt the same way. One moment changed their hearts and lives forever.

Julie and Dan got in touch with a Down Syndrome organization, which showed them what their twins were capable of. The fear of the unknowns that had gripped their hearts had evaporated as love filled their hearts with joy at the prospect of seeing their twins. Milo and Charlie are seven-year-old twins who have had a huge impact on their parents’ lives.

Julie’s fear of Down Syndrome was not only overcome by love, but she is also sharing her experience and life with the world through her Facebook page, ‘Milo and Charlie: Fearfully And Wonderfully Made.’ Julie invites us to take front-row seats to watch some of God’s most beautiful work made from the unexpected. What a stunning reminder that each and every one of God’s children is fearfully and wonderfully formed.