I met Kelly McCorkle (now Parkison) when I was at North Greenville University. What I appreciated about Kelly as a sister in Christ was that she was such a humble, easy-going friend. She loved Jesus, she loved others, and she didn’t make a bunch of fuss about it.
Kelly has lived a lot of life since graduating from NGU. She won this Miss South Carolina pageant and worked raising awareness concerning learning disabilities. She eventually competed on the Amazing Race, served in DC and other places around the globe, and married Scott Parkison, who was the singles pastor at Taylors First Baptist Church.
They have five children, one whom they adopted from India. It was great to share adoption stories over the years through Facebook and such. Kelly wrote a book of their adoption experience entitled, He Knows Her Name: An Amazing Pursuit to Adopt from India. She was gracious enough to send me a copy so I could digest the whole story.
Kelly was always a transparent person and that shines through in this book.
She is very detailed in their story, but what I love is that it provides a path for those considering adoption as well. Many people like to know what they are getting into before getting into it. This book can be that catalyst for some families. Or for those already in the process, it may serve as an encouragement to stay the course.
One of our greatest sources of encouragement during our own adoption was hearing from those who had gone before us.
I pray this resource can encourage you!
Favorite Quotes
- On the contrary, adoption made me feel significant because I knew my parents saw me and chose me [from spouse] (38).
- A true godly desire for you is also a call on me [from spouse] (57).
- The Bible didn’t promise this life would be easy; in fact, it is full of Scriptures that speak of quite the opposite (60).
- If we were going to get negative feedback, it would be for one or two things: Why adopt when we can have biological children? Why adopt internationally when we could adopt in America? (67-68).
- I couldn’t imagine prolonging the process [of adoption paperwork] any more than necessary on our part, and completing the dossier and submitting it gave us a slight sense of control over the process (100).
- Yet she was absolutely adorable and beautiful, and quickly I longed to make that sad little face smile (119).
- What thoughtful acts displayed by our many Christian brothers and sisters; if they had chosen not to call, message, or offer their help, we would have never been the wiser, as it was not Scott and I who asked for these favors (160).
- Even though I had moved within reach, she kept averting her eyes away from me, afraid to make eye contact (165).
- This may sound selfish, but I was comforted by the fact I was the only one who could calm her (192).
- I quickly tallied up all the things I was doing for the Lord in my mind and thought to myself, my heart can’t be broken anymore; I have nothing else left to give (248).
Book Overview
There are an estimated 20 million orphans in the country of India. Thanks to Kelly and Scott Parkison, that number has decreased by one. Having promised to never return to India after her experience on the reality show The Amazing Race, Kelly never dreamed she would one day be a mother to a beautiful Indian girl named Lyla. This is the amazing and true story of how God uses the most unlikely circumstances for His greater purpose.
Calling the Parkison’s adoption story a rollercoaster ride of emotion would be an understatement. After almost every major decision in the Parkison’s adoption process, God put a twist in their carefully laid plans only to lead them to greater opportunities. Faced with an overwhelming amount of fundraising, mountains of adoption paperwork, an unexpected pregnancy, a medical issue to patch with their new daughter, and the adjustment of bringing their child into a new culture, the Parkisons clung to God through their whirlwind adoption of Lyla. Their heartwarming story is a beautiful testament to the gift of adoption on this earth and the love of God for all of us as His children.
You can learn more about Kelly or Loft 218.
Kelly is also going to be doing some meet and greets in the days to come. Here’s one such event!
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
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