Hello, I Love You: Adventures in Adoptive Fatherhood

by Ted Kluck

There’s nothing like adoption to make a grown man cry. Repeatedly. In this humorous and honest memoir, Ted Kluck—father, writer, and sports fan—details his adoption of his two sons from Ukraine. While not always self-flattering, his complaints and struggles will provoke laughter, some fear, and self-examination. In the first part of his memoir, Ted reveals the chaos the Kluck’s first international adoption, the adoption of his son Tristan. He includes stories In the second part of his memoir—the story of Kluck’s second international adoption—new struggles arise, causing Ted to process with his In each section of Ted’s memoir, you will feel deeply, laugh out loud, and learn. Whether you’re an adoptive parent, seeking to be an adoptive parent, or unmarried, you will enjoy and appreciate Ted’s humorous and honest stories of his adventures in adoptive fatherhood. “While Hello, I Love You is about the stories of two adoptions,in reality, the stories serve to show the trustworthiness of God despite impossible circumstances and the need to find contentment in his providential care.” -Book review by John Starke on  The Gospel Coalition   An Excerpt from the Book’s             This book began as a journal—some spiral-bound notebooks that came with me to Ukraine the first time, and which contained letters that I wrote to Tristan during the experience. In the first half of the book, it reads like I’m addressing Tristan directly, while the second half is a more straightforward narrative of Dima’s adoption. They’re both love letters to my boys, and the whole thing is a love letter to Kristin, my wife.             You’ll also notice lots of frank, often sarcastic prose about cultural differences—usually with the author as the punch line, as it was my inability to deal with these differences that provided a lot of humor (in retrospect) and anger (at the time).             There’s also some tough content regarding infertility. If this is something you’ve struggled with in your marriage, I hope this chapter encourages you, and I hope you feel less alone in your struggle. If you’ve been blessed with biological children, please don’t feel guilty for having them, or in any way judged or made fun of by the observations in that chapter (see It not being you, but me).             Finally, the book contains lots of stories of God’s faithfulness—stories that we thought were too meaningful not to be told. Little “piles of stones” along the way that remind us of God’s goodness, love, and faithfulness. We hope that you’ll read them and not only be entertained, but be motivated to think of Christ and our adoption as His sons and daughters. It is only the love of Christ, and our hope in Him, that got us through the first, the most difficult adoption in the history of our agency’s work with Ukraine, then infertility, and finally a second adoption. And it was these adoptions, more than any other events or events in our lives, that truly taught us to find our peace, comfort, and identity in Christ.  

Genres: Adoption, Nonfiction, Memoir, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Ted Kluck writes on topics ranging from Mike Tyson to the Emergent Church. Ted has played professional indoor football, coached high school football, trained as a professional wrestler, served as a missionary, and taught writing courses at the college level.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.25*
Really takes you on the emotional roller-coaster ride of international adoption. Easy reading style, and I always appreciate Kluck’s humor, and his ability look to God in everyday situations.

[Crystal Medrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing style made it easy to read, and yet I’ve had more self examination due to this book than many of the more intellectual books I have read as of late.
The honest story gives an insider look at the international adoption process. It also made me think more seriously about what it means to be adopted into the family of God, and the sanctification process that goes along with it.

[Claire Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Written by Charlie’s uncle, I feel like I got to learn more about Ted and KK🥰 Seeing God’s faithfulness in the midst of challenges in adoption. Would recommend!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great quick read on a Sunday afternoon. We are in the midst of an international adoption ourselves, and like most parents in this situation we are desperate to connect with people feeling the way that we do.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be open to doing hard things and things I never expected knowing plans can change in an instant. While also trusting that the Lord will always provide for us financially and He is aware of His children. Lean on others for support through our adoptions. Miracles will happen.

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book detailing the struggles of overseas adoption. It's honest with hilarity woven into each page.

[Chris Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically, I want to write like Kluck when I grow up. His writing is fun, honest, and witty. I love the fact that Kluck is a real Cristian guy who also is adopting. It's not like the typical, tear-jerking adoption books my wife reads. Kluck had tough adoption trips, money stress, and real struggles with infertility. I like that he deals with those honestly and with faith, yet in a funny way. If you are a guy who is adopting, then read this.

[Agitatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I've read in recent memory (the last 10 years?) that I've read in less than 24 hours, and this is not a negative comment on the content. This was a very engaging and sardonic account of Ted's journey to adopt children from a foreign country. The humor speeds the story along, while the pathos rips your heart out. Ted is a great writer, and I will look forward to reading more of his work.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very well written. The author is funny and shares all the ins and outs of he and his wife's journey to becoming parents. Mr. Kluck is quick to point out that not everything will go well. You will spend a lot of money. You will not understand everything about the country you are going to. This is a no holds barred account of what he himself has gone through. I recommend to everyone considering adopting out of country. This is a quick read.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two thumbs up for this heart warming memoir of a man becoming a father through adoption in the Ukraine. A great inside look at life in the Ukraine, infertility, and a fathers love... Hillarious at times, emotional others, very easy to read. Great book!!

[Jeff Learned · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much a travelogue/journal of two international adoptions. Who knew Ukraine was so depressing!? This was entertaining, heart wrenching, and uplifting.

I you've every wondered what adopting from a European country was like, this is for you.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging, well-written true story made even more interesting to me as we go to school with the subject of this book, and I've met the author and his wife. Full of wit and transparency. Recommended.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I love this book because I know its author? No. I love its author and his wife and family because I love this book. You just have to read it to understand. Love, love, love...