Hi!
If you are reading this, then you probably know how we feel about adoption 💕 You have watched as our family of 2 has grown and fluctuated through pregnancies, foster care, and adoption. Actually, you have done more than watch! You have prayed for us, helped us, donated to past adoptions, baby sat, counseled us, cooked us a meal or loved us in some other special way. You have humbled us with your love & been the support system we need.
With trepidation, we prayed together, asking God to help us understand if we should adopt again. With much consideration & counsel from trusted friends, we decided to adopt from Colombia! Lord willing, we plan to bring home a special, spunky 7 year old girl who is rockin’ that extra chromosome!
We are obviously thrilled! Like most international adoptions, there are many steps. Homestudy, medical exams, background checks, immigration approval, translating fees, travel costs, attorney fees and more. The amount of work and expenses has left us reeling at times for sure. But when Andrew & I have understood the high cost God the Father paid for his adoption of us, His own Son, our perspective shifts. We are reminded not to balk at the cost but instead trust in His provision & be happy to make personal sacrifices for the sake of this girl.
So far, about 1/3 of the costs have been paid. We have used the money from previous fundraisers, Andrew has been working extra hours, and we have been saving as much as we can! but something *amazing* has happened & we want to share with you!!
We received 2 matching grants! 1 is from Lifesong and the other is from The Tim Tebow Foundation. Both are wonderful, christian organizations who prayerfully review applications & select families to assist. We were stunned to receive 2, as we had only applied for 1!! The total amount available for matching is $8,000! If we are able to fundraise the entire amount, that would be $16,000! & our adoption would be nearly funded!
We are amazed & humbled at this opportunity! Regardless, we want you to know how loved we feel & how much we love you in return. It is wonderful to serve the King with you, each in our own ways, & all for His glory!
Prayers:
-that God would keep our Colombian girl safe, healthy & loved while she waits for us to come
-for our faith to be strengthened, our marriage steady and for us to have wise love for the children currently in our home
-that remaining government paperwork would be seamless & speedy
-That God would provide the remaining financial needs, if it is His will.
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 “Carlson 10191”, 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