Before we were married we would talk often of family and children. We had planned out when we would start having kids, what their names would be, and how many we would have. Of course, real life doesn’t go according to plan. We’ve been married for 13 years now, and for 12 of those years we’ve known God was calling us to adopt.
After church one Sunday we both had a strong sense that “one day” we would adopt children. It was sometime in the distant future, after we were done having our own kids, that we would begin the adoption journey. It wasn’t something we talked about often in those first few years as it was something “far off in the future.”
A few years after that initial calling, our daughter had an assignment for pre-school, she was to draw a picture of what she wanted to do when she grew up. Our 4-year-old daughter drew a picture of a huge house. When asked what she drew, she said it was a home for all the kids without a home. We hadn’t talked to her about adoption yet, but God had put it in her heart as He had ours. Maybe adoption wasn’t something so far away. And we also began to feel like we would be adopting a sibling group. God was preparing us.
Since then, we’ve bought a house, egressed basement windows, saved some money, and adjusted some life rhythms in preparation for adoption. Our boys also often ask “when are we going to adopt?” About a year ago, we felt compelled, “now is the time to start.” And so, we began to research all the ins-and-outs. While Andrea had always leaned toward international adoption, the cost of it had always seemed prohibitive to me. But as we researched, participated in informational meetings, and had conversations, God changed my heart.
As we prayed, researched, asked questions, talked to several agencies, God has led us to enter the Taiwan program through Lifeline Children’s services. And we are convinced that we are to adopt a sibling group of two. Financially, that is a scary endeavor, the cost still looks prohibitive when just looking at the numbers. And yet, God has always proven himself faithful in the past. We firmly believe that God will prove himself faithful by providing for our every need in this as well.
We are excited to share that we have been awarded a $12,000 matching grant from Legacy685 Fund, administered by Lifesong for Orphans. That means the first $12,000 donated will be doubled! With what we have paid already and what we currently have saved, if we can raise $20,000 and add the $12,000 grant, most of the costs of the adoption will be provided for. Thanks be to God!
STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction)*. Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “Davenport 10307”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
- In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong for Orphans. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.
- Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.
- *3.5% fee for donations given with an American Express card