We have BIG news!
We are adopting a child!
Here is a little about us and our journey!
We were married in July of 2007 and knew that we wanted to start a family soon. Our dream was to have children of our own and talked of maybe wanting to adopt a child also. After no pregnancy was resulting, we began fertility treatments with multiple rounds of oral fertility drugs. In December of 2010, we went through a round of IVF which resulted in a pregnancy of twins. We were devastated a few weeks later when the ultrasound showed no heartbeats. After that, we decided to take to some time off to heal emotionally and physically. Eight months later we were thrilled to find out that we were pregnant with Brooklyn!!!! A complete suprise and miracle! The pregnancy was not easy by any means, with hyperemesis the entire pregnancy, surgery to remove half of Rachel's thyroid, gall bladder issues, and bed rest due to preterm labor prior to Brooklyn being born. On April 5th, 2012, Brooklyn blessed our lives and made us parents. A year later, we again started the road of attempting to expand our family with fertility treatments and tests, not wanting Brooklyn to be an only child. Three years later, in October of 2016, we attempted a round of IVF which was not successful. In December of 2016, we did a frozen embryo transfer which resulted in a pregnancy. On December 23rd, 2016, we were devastated when Rachel miscarried. Insurance does not pay for any part of fertility treatments or tests, so this was all out of our own pocket. All of these tests and procedures in attempt to create our family has exceeded the amount of $30,000.
One Sunday in church, we heard the song, "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott, the words in her song echoed what was in our hearts. We felt led and made the decision to adopt in October 2017 and it has felt so right.
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. Many don't realize that the cost of domestic adoption out of state usually ranges from $30,000-$40,000. This cost does not include what we have already spent for application, profile, and home study. This also does not include the future travel, medical, and finalization expenses that will be added after child placement.
If you are able and willing to donate toward our adoption costs in hopes to expand our family, it would be greatly appreciated. Even if you can't give financially, we ask for you to keep us in your prayers as we go through this process. Pray too for the expectant mother who is choosing life and making the best decision for her unborn child.
The VanHeel's
