Adoption has been on our hearts again for some time and we are excited to share our next journey. We want to pursue adoption the way that God pursues us - without fear and with open arms to love people.
As we thought about what it would mean to adopt a child into our family, our thoughts gravitated towards the excitement of getting to be parents again, something you dream about and something you want so badly it's sometimes hard to voice. Becoming a parent is an opportunity to act in direct response to the blessings that God has given to us.
As we moved closer to making the decision to adopt again, there were some other thoughts that started coming in: the humbling thought of how much responsibility goes into parenting more than one child, the thoughts of what other people might thing, and fear of the unknown. But we believe that family is the answer to almost every problem and we believe that God has chosen another child for our family. (Ephesians 1:11)
We're trusting that God will honor these desires that He has placed in our hearts. We're trusting that if we commit our ways to the Lord, and trust in Him, then He will deliver on his promises. The things we have, the life we've been given, and the grace we've been shown is all a gift from God. There's a great need for adoptive families and we won't be changing that. But for one child, we will be able to love unconditionally!
We are beyond excited and are doing everything we can to be prepared to welcome a beautiful new life into our home. As part of our adoption process, we have started a crowdfunding campaign. Adoption related costs can easily total up to $35,000 or more. This is why we have set a goal of $25,000 to help ease the financial burden that often overwhelms adoptive parents. In the US, 33% of couples consider adoption; however, 79% of the families are deterred by the high costs, and in the end 2% adopt.
We are thankful for each and every one of you during this exciting time. We hope that by inviting you into this process, you will see yourself as part of the community we hope to build around our child as they grow up.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
