Hello! We are John & Blanca Baker, and we are looking to adopt two siblings from Colombia!
We have been married for 6 years and we have long been desiring to grow our family, whether naturally or through adoption. In 2021, we learned we would not be able to conceive naturally without significant medical intervention. Given the significant need for adoptive parents, we decided it would be a better choice for our family to invest in becoming a home for children who desperately need one. We also rejoice in the fact that God has shown his love to us by redeeming us and adopting us into his family through Christ. We are deeply grateful to be able to present the love of Christ to others through adoption, and we cherish the opportunity to display the steadfast love of God to whichever children the Lord would entrust to us. After learning the need for couples to adopt siblings in Colombia, we decided to commit to adopting a sibling group.
Why Colombia?
We know that there is a need to adopt children all over the world. However, there a few reasons why we decided to adopt from Colombia specifically. First, there are many children in Colombia who need families, and many of these are siblings. We are hoping to adopt two siblings! Second, we have felt that the Lord has uniquely positioned us to adopt well internationally. Based on both our experiences and family connections, we felt that adopting from Colombia would be a great way to proclaim the gospel there. Third, we both speak Spanish, and Blanca has family from Colombia. Finally, we hope to serve as missionaries in Latin America in the near future, so Colombia seemed like a perfect fit for our family.
How far are you in the adoption process?
We started the process in August 2021. Our home study has been approved and we are making headway with the Colombia dossier. While we do not know for sure when the process will be finished, we are hoping that we should be close to finalizing the adoption by mid-2023.
How much support are you raising?
The total cost for the adoption is $40,000 and $17,000 has already been paid for. Now, We are raising the remaining $23,000. The Lord has been kind and provided so much already! We have been given 2 matching grants, totaling to $7000! For every dollar given toward the matching grants, the Orphan Care Alliance and Lifesong provide an equal donation, up to the total matching grant amount. For example: If you give $50 to the adoption, the partner also contributes $50. As always, any gift given toward the matching grant is tax-deductible.
How can we pray for you?
1. Pray for the two children in Colombia whom we would adopt. Pray for their health and their caretakers. Above all, pray that they would trust in Christ and his steadfast love.
2. Pray for us, that we would be diligent in completing paperwork and each remaining task for the adoption.
3. Pray that we would trust in the Lord and his timing throughout the process.
4. Pray that Christ would be glorified throughout each step in our adoption journey.
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 “Baker 10274”, 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