We have BIG news!
We are incredibly grateful to be starting the adoption process!
We have wanted to adopt for several years, but we never really knew what that would look like until now. After having Marlo two years ago, I experienced some pelvic floor issues due to his birth. Add that on top of my bladder issues, I had to work hard to get my body back into balance the last two years. We decided to try to get pregnant several months ago, but because of hormone imbalance that came with postpartum and grief, we weren't able to conceive after a handful of cycles. Being a practitioner, I knew that with the right tools, I could get my body back in balance. We have always wanted Marlo to have a sibling and didn't want to keep waiting. God has really been putting it on our hearts to adopt. With my dad and brother being adopted, it was even more of a reason to go down this path. We have faith that since God led us to this path, He will also lead us through this process.
There are many steps in the adoption process and we are at the very 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 process. The average adoption costs $52,000 (or more) for domestic infant adoption. This doesn't include all the extra fees that aren't included in the actual adoption. It is very humbling for us to ask for financial help. 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
Adoption Status Waiting To Be Matched
