We’re adopting again! Many of you know our sweet daughter, Martinna, whom we brought home from the Philippines in November 2022. She’s now five years old and fills our lives with so much joy. While the process has been long and challenging—especially in the first year as a new family—our daughter is an absolute blessing. It has been an immense privilege to be her parents and we are excited to experience this again with another child.
Our hearts have always been drawn to international adoption. Before we even began our first adoption, we were aware of the global orphan crisis and the limited resources available to children in need. But as we walked through the process with Martinna, our awareness deepened. The monthly waiting child list broke our hearts as the millions of orphans globally now became millions of faces and stories. That’s when we knew we would adopt again. This time, for various reasons, we felt led to pursue adoption from a different country. The question we asked ourselves was, where is the greatest need? With India having the largest number of orphans in the world, we knew that’s where we needed to focus. We started this journey in April 2024 and hope to begin accepting referrals in the next few months.
As many of you know, adoption is expensive. We have been able to pay $14,000 of the projected total costs of up to $49,000. These cover services such as agency fees, home study preparation, psychological evaluations, document translations, international program expenses, travel, and post-adoption reporting. While the amount is significant, it reflects the many costs involved in international adoption. Having witnessed God’s provision during our first adoption, we are confident that financial barriers should not keep families from pursuing adoption. Still, we recognize the importance of raising the necessary funds. This will also be our second special needs adoption, and we understand the medical and therapy costs that come with it. This is why we humbly ask for support.
We are deeply grateful to have been awarded two matching grants from Lifesong for Orphans and Hope that Binds, which will double the first $6,000 we raise! Our goal is to fundraise $15,000 toward our adoption expenses. All donations are tax-deductible and will go directly to our adoption agency to help cover these costs.
As followers of Christ, we are continually reminded of our own adoption into God’s family through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The privilege of being called sons and daughters of the King is a truth that leaves us in awe. The adoption journey with our daughter has made the Gospel so much more tangible in our lives. This deepened understanding of adoption has given us even more passion for this path and the children in need.
Through this adoption, we hope not only to provide a home to a child in need but also to inspire others to consider adoption. There are an estimated 150 million orphans worldwide, many of whom are ready and waiting for families. If you have any questions about adoption, please reach out to us. We would love to share more of our story and talk with you!
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 “Aguiluz 11339”, 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