The Lord has done some marvelous things in our family. God has given my wife, Jessica, and I (Josiah) three children through adoption. Two girls and a boy. Nevaeh, (9) Inara (4) and Jovan. (3)
We have done private adoption, short-term fostering and foster adoption. But Now God is doing a new thing in our family. Embryo adoption! (Also known as snowflake adoption) This is something most people are unfamiliar with so here is a brief overview of what it is.
Now in its fifth decade, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproduction technologies have been the answer to many families’ baby prayers. However, this success has created a surplus of frozen human embryos. That surplus is estimated at roughly 1,000,000 in the United States. Many biological parents store their frozen embryos for future use. But when those parents have completed their families, they must decide what to do with their remaining embryos. Donating them to another infertile couple is an increasingly popular option. It benefits both the genetic family and the recipient family. Embryo donation, sometimes called embryo adoption, offers embryos the potential of life. It also allows the recipient mother the chance to carry her adopted child.
On September 27th two embryos were successfully implanted in Jessica. The embryologist said that these were very healthy-looking embryos and getting positive pregnancy tests for the first time in our 10 + year marriage had us very excited.
Jessica’s numbers started out good. It looked like at least one of the babies implanted but then the numbers dropped and we lost both babies. We knew going in that this was a distinct possibility. A lot of frozen embryos don’t survive. Even though this first transfer didn’t go the way we wanted, Jessica and I are glad that these babies can move on. It is better for them to go live with Jesus in heaven than to be stuck in a freezer.
Now we are preparing for a second transfer. As you can Imagine this is a very costly endeavor. We are estimating around $10,000. We have been awarded a $5,000 matching grant from Samaritain Ministries Adoption Fund, administered by Lifesong for Orphans. So if we can raise $5,000 then the need will be met. If you would like to join us on our journey and be part of rescuing these precious little children, please be in prayer for our family and, if God has blessed you financially, consider giving a little.
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 “Arington 09794”, 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.