Meet the Mannchen family

Liz Mannchen first felt the pull to adopt when she was 12 years old, with her father explaining what an orphan was. She carried that calling until she met—and eventually—married her husband, Uli. The Mannchens began their journey to serve vulnerable children around the world through missions, and “it was there that both of our hearts began to feel the tug not only toward adoption but specifically international adoption,” Liz said. “When we eventually married and wanted to grow our family, we knew adoption was woven into the DNA of who we were.”

Despite this calling toward international adoption, the Mannchens were surprised with how complicated the adoption journey was. Initially, they felt called to pursue an adoption from China but were unable because of their age. At this time, they learned that they were eligible for their agency’s Madagascar adoption program, and their journey continued.

After a year and half of waiting, the Mannchens found themselves next in line to match when Madagascar put their adoption program on hold indefinitely. By this time, they were able to pursue the China program and switched programs. Liz and Uli were soon matched with their daughter Bo Bei. The country that the Mannchens were living in at the time denied Bo Bei’s adoption, forcing them to relocate back to the U.S., so the adoption could be finalized.

Once the Mannchens were home and together in the U.S., they decided to pursue another adoption from China. After waiting through delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was eventually closed in the fall of 2024. During this time, Liz and Uli also pursued two separate domestic adoptions, both of which failed.

“After much grief, we were invited by our agency to consider the India program—a country where we had worked in orphan care for over two decades,” Liz said. “We were overjoyed to pursue this path, and it eventually led us to our daughter Aima Lein, who is now 3 years old and has been home with us for over a year.”

Liz and Uli received Adoption Aid grants to help bring home both Bo Bei and Aima Lein. They initially learned about Show Hope through their agency. 

“Working in a nonprofit with a low income, we had no idea how we would afford adoption, but we trusted the Lord’s provision through every step,” Liz said. “This grant wove our family together from the far corners of the world, stitching our lives into God’s greater vision. It gave Bo Bei and Aima Lein not just a home but the gift of parents and the embrace of family.

“[The generosity of Show Hope donors] has literally changed the course of our family’s life and our children’s futures. Because of you, two little girls who once lived in very different parts of the world are now surrounded by the love, stability, and belonging of a family,” Liz continued. “We want you to know that your giving is not just financial—it is eternal. It’s an investment in lives, in healing, and in hope. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping write this story with us.”

Liz is not unaware of the unexpected twists and turns that can come with pursuing adoption, including the financial barrier. Despite that, she encourages families stepping into adoption to fight for their children, including the finances required to bring them home. 

“I know many people who never pursue adoption because of finances,” Liz said. “Part of fighting for your child is fighting for the finances to bring them home. Be fearless and fierce, but also walk humbly in God’s call.

“Adoption is not easy. It is costly, complicated, and often heartbreaking. But it is also the most beautiful reflection of God’s heart that we’ve ever experienced,” Liz continued. “Every struggle has been worth it to hear our daughters’ laughter, to see their resilience, and to watch their stories of redemption unfold. We hope our journey reminds others that no obstacle is too big when God calls you to fight for a child’s life and future.”

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This Christmas, we have strategically planned to raise $1,000,000 for the continuing impact of our work, yet we cannot reach that goal without you. Today, will you prayerfully consider a gift to our Gifts of Hope campaign? We need you.