Help Bring Mabel Home
If you know us, you know one thing about our family: we love adoption. We have three incredible children through adoption—from South Korea, India, and the United States. Each one has changed us forever, and each adoption has taught us that family isn’t defined by biology. It’s built through love, faith, and commitment.
Now, God is writing another chapter.
We’re adopting a seven-year-old little girl we will name Mabel, from Côte d’Ivoire. Mabel was born blind, has a rare genetic condition called Fraser syndrome, and weighs only about 20 pounds. She has spent much of her life confined to a crib with little access to the opportunities she desperately needs.
When we began our adoption journey years ago, “blind” was a special need that scared us. In 2014, when we were reviewing files from India, our daughter Mia’s file simply said, “She is blind.” We asked to look at files for other children.
But God kept bringing us back to her.
Eventually we said yes, and bringing Mia home changed not only our family but also the way we see the world. Today, at 17, she has very low vision, but her blindness has become one of the least defining things about her. She is joyful, independent, and sees people in a way I wish we all could—with her heart instead of basing it on their appearance. We’ve been introduced to an incredible community of blind and visually impaired friends here in Alabama, and this summer she was even named Camper of the Year at Alabama School for the Blind camp.
Because of Mia, there wasn’t a moment of hesitation when we learned Mabel was totally blind. We know blindness doesn’t limit a person’s ability to live a rich, beautiful, joy-filled life. We simply can’t wait to welcome another amazing daughter home.
We love her so much already and cannot wait to bring Mabel home! We’re grateful we can provide her with the therapies, opportunities, and support she’s never had access to.
As a family, we love helping others adopt. Through our small nonprofit, we’ve had the privilege of awarding adoption grants and cheering other families on as they bring children home. Asking for help ourselves, however, doesn’t come naturally. We believe as we invite others to be a part of Mabel’s story to our family, God will prompt hearts. So that’s what we’re doing today—not asking, but extending an invitation.
Our adoption expenses will total approximately $50,000, including agency fees and international travel. At the same time, we’re preparing to sell our home in order to build a house that will accommodate our growing family, adding another layer of financial complexity during an already challenging housing market.
God has already been so faithful.
In just the past few weeks, more than $20,000 has been pledged toward bringing Mabel home, and we currently have a $9,750 agency payment due. Even more exciting, have been awarded a $7000 matching grant from Hearts of Compassion (Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS) and a $2000 matching grant Fund administered by Lifesong for Orphans, meaning every dollar given through the matching campaign helps unlock additional funding for Mabel’s adoption.
We have complete confidence that God will provide exactly what is needed. We don’t know how He’ll do it, but we’ve watched Him write stories like this before.
If you would like to be part of Mabel’s story, there are several ways you can help:
- Pray for Mabel as she waits.
- Pray for our family as we prepare to bring her home.
- Share our story with others.
- If you feel led, give toward our adoption through the link below. (Using the link below instead of the crowdfunding platform helps all of your gift go directly toward Mabel’s adoption.) https://give.lifesong.org/lifesong/12188-ff
Every gift will go directly toward adoption expenses, agency fees, and travel to bring our daughter home.
Thank you for believing with us that every child deserves the love and security of a family.
We cannot wait for the day when Mabel is finally home.
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 “Abrego 12188”, 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
