We are adopting!!
Working in education Bentley has seen first-hand the need for loving/caring homes and parents. Too many children go home and don’t feel loved or know when they will get another hot meal. It may not be until they come back to school. Anne has seen first-hand working in the hospital the outcome of many of those families and the burden it causes both for their health and mentally. We feel every child should have the opportunity to feel loved, safe and cared for. Because of this we have talked about adoption for a few years. It was in our “5 year” plan to pursue adoption. We know we have love to give and feel called to provide that for another child.
We began asking random questions about adoption and the processes in May of 2022. On Thanksgiving Day 2022 at dinner with Anne’s family there was an open seat at the dinner table. Anne’s family began jokingly asking us if there was a reason for the open seat and if we had news to share. Bentley replied jokily back that we were not having another baby and our family was complete unless we adopted.
Four days later on Monday, same adoption agency worker we had talked to previously reached out to Anne with information about a boy from Bulgaria who they were advocating for to find a forever family. We began talking, praying, talking, praying, and asking questions about it. After discussing it with our children, we agreed that adoption would be a good fit for our family and that we would be a good fit for adopting.
Due to his age, our attempt to expedite the process, and our planning on the process not being for a few years we are in the situation where our finances are not prepared to solely fund the adoption. Right now, looking at the adoption process the finances are what is potentially standing in our way. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to share with others you believe may be willing to help us make this become a reality.
3/21/23 Update- We have received our immigration approval and our dossier will be filed in the next few days.
8/12/23 Update- Our first trip has been scheduled and we will be able to meet him for the first time and spend a week with him.