It was evident early on in our relationship that adoption would be part of our family’s story. Ryan has a beautiful story of adoption along with Alaina’s grandmother fostering over 80 children in her lifetime. And for both of us being pastors, there is something very special about what adoption is, looks like and symbolizes. For us, adoption looks like heaven touching earth. It looks like the over abundant love of Jesus in a tangible way…. In how we will love a child and birth parent(s) as Jesus would.
There was a moment a few weeks after getting engaged, as we sat in a doctor’s office discussing Alaina’s health journey, when the doctor discussed that biological children were not going to be in our future. There was this moment that our eyes met, both confident in knowing that God had other plans in co-creating our family’s story. And that plan is the journey of adoption.
Our intention is to invite our family and friends to be PART of this journey of adoption WITH us. Whether that is through PRAYER (praying for us daily for wisdom and discernment and safety + health of our future child and birth mother), or ENCOURAGEMENT (continually encouraging us along a journey that can sometimes feel overwhelming and stagnant), or GIVING (through financially donating through this tax deductible platform) we want you to join us in our journey.
One recent statistic by Adoption Network says that â…“ of all Americans consider adoption, however, only 2% of all Americans actually adopt mostly due to the financial cost. According to NYTimes.com, adoption costs can be up to $40,000 and in some cases exceeds this number.
We wanted to update you on where we are at in the process. We’ve talked with numerous adoption agencies and were even approved to start the journey with multiple agencies. We have been learning so much about what is involved in bringing our child home. From educational classes, supporting the birth mother with essential needs and financially partnering with an agency and attorney. As we decide upon a home study and agency that aligns best with our values in the process, here is a breakdown of what our financial liabilities and commitments will be:
_ Home Study & Agency Fees : these will be 50% of the cost of adoption and due within 30 days of signing with an agency (our immediate need is fundraise this portion as it's the next crucial step in our adoption process)_
Legal & Attorney fees will be the remaining 50% of the cost of adoption and due when there is a placement of our child
There is an African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” While we were researching and understanding the meaning of this proverb, we came to the conclusion that it's really about the values, responsibilities and life experiences that help to shape and influence the child.
We invite you to help be a part of our “village” and hope you’ll join us on this journey home for our child.
We will continually use this platform along with our IG @theziesfamilyjourney to update our progress as we pursue adoption.
Love,
Ryan & Alaina Zies
