We are hopeful as we share the news that we are starting the adoption process!
This is not an easy or straightforward choice, while we have always talked about adopting, we thought it would be later in life after we had our biological children. Since suffering through 5 losses we have decided to start the adoption process earlier than we thought. We want Willow (our miracle baby) to have the sibling she so desperately wants, and we do not feel complete without another baby to love. Adoption is complicated and can be a long road but we are hopeful that God will lead us through this process with his love and grace.
There are a lot of steps to be able to adopt and we are at the early stages. The first step is to do our Home Study this is where the state decides if we are worthy of adoption. This is facilitated to make sure we are fit to adopt and also to get all the necessary education about the realities of adoption. Again, adoption is a complex choice and needs to be done with eyes wide open to its realities. As important as this step is, it is costly and does not guarantee we have a baby to adopt.
We have decided to work with Christian Adoption Consultants to match us with multiple agencies in hopes of the most ethical adoption and the best chances of adoption for our family.
Once this is complete we will be ready to adopt. This can take a few months or years to match with an expectant mother. We are hopeful and expectant to see God move as we have taken these big steps.
As of right now, we need to raise up a village to help us through this. The average adoption costs $45,000 + for domestic infant adoption. It is humbling to ask for help but it is the reality we face. I know from experience that asking for help also allows for those helping to feel the joy alongside us as we make this dream come true. We are asking for support financially, buying a t-shirt, or through prayers, sharing our link, and for anyone who might be able to offer knowledge or expertise in this area.
Thank you for reading, praying, and sharing!
The Barnard Family- David, Ellen + Willow
