Ryan & Raechel Russell

We have BIG news! We are adopting - again!

Adoption has played such a special role in our family ever since we adopted Griffin in October 2021. We are ready to grow our family again, and we are excited to once again do that through adoption!

This time we are ready to adopt a little GIRL. Griffin is excited to have a little sister!

As part of our adoption process, we have started a crowdfunding campaign. It may surprise you to hear that adoption related costs are quite expensive. While we do not expect to fundraise the entirety of our expenses, we have set our goal at our expected expense rate of $50,000.

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 she grows up.

How can we support you in this journey?

Prayer — Please pray that God would place the right child into our life. Pray for the right timing for this process. Pray for the mother of our child as she will have to make a difficult decision. Pray for her health, for confidence in her decision, and that she would be surrounding by the community and resources she needs beyond the adoption.

Giving — While we have been saving for adoption for some time, because the expenses are significant, we are happily accepting any donations you may wish to give. Donations through this website are tax-deductible. If you are willing and able to support our adoption financially, we would be honored.

Are you adopting domestically or internationally?

We are adopting domestically!

What organization are you working with?

We are working with The Joyful Adoption (TJA), an adoption consultant based in Georgia. TJA works with about 30 adoption agencies across 10 states. That means our little girl could be born just about anywhere! You can learn more about TJA at https://www.thejoyfuladoption.com/

Where are you in the process?

At this time, we have completed our paperwork and our home study. Once we get final approval, we will join the waiting list around February. From there, we will wait to be matched with a pregnant mother. After we are chosen, we will meet her at the hospital when she goes into delivery!

What is your timeline?

Adoption timelines are never certain, but we expect to have a match sometime in 2024 or early 2025.

Why is adoption so expensive?

Adoption fees include legal fees, medical expenses for the birth mother, agency fees, and a variety of resources for the birth mother.

What else do you want us to know about adoption?

We believe adoption is a picture of what God has done for us through Jesus. When someone places their faith in Jesus and His death for all people on the cross, they become a son or daughter of God, part of His international family. We see adoption as an opportunity to embody in everyday life what God has done spiritually in our lives. While not the main reason we're adopting (it's about the child), we hope this symbolism tells the story we hold true.