Dear Friends & Family,
As many of you already, we are adopting! We have been so blessed with Frankie, but we've always known there is second child out there for us, and they will be joining our family in a slightly different way. The Parable of the Lost Sheep reminds us of this journey that we are embarking on. This child will always know how we have always loved them and pursued them. There was never a moment she wasn't in our hearts.
Our adoption journey has been special to us since the beginning. After researching dozens of adoption agencies, we came across Christian Adoption Services, based out of North Carolina. They have been authentic, warm-hearted and transparent from the start. After much prayer and discussion, we chose to pursue our journey with them. As time went on, many of this agency's characteristics lined up to what Chris knew about his own adoption story. We found out that Christian Adoption Services changed their name a few years back and it turned out to be the same agency Chris was adopted from! It became evident to us that God knew the story he was writing from the start.
What stood out to us the most about this agency, was the emphasis not only on the child, but their Mothers. Chris and I view adoption as one of the most beautiful gifts. The Mother cares for this child's best interest so much, that she chooses to give this child to a loving family. Christian Adoption Services has founded the 'Emmanuel Home Project'. This home provides Birth Mothers a safe and stable living environment by providing a home for up to 10 months post-placement to help her heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually and get her back on her feet.
Many of you have been following along with us in our adoption process. We started this journey back in June. Since then, we have completed all the necessary paperwork and a homestudy. In February, we will be attending a two-day group training. After this training, we become an official Waiting Adoptive Family, which means Domestic Adoption Coordinators can now show our adoption album to these mothers making an adoption plan for their child. These mothers are typically in their 8-9 months of pregnancy, so once selected we may have up to a 6-week notice. However, it's also common enough that these mothers decide on a family while in the hospital during labor and it's off to the races as we get in the car and drive to North Carolina to meet our little baby girl.
Would you consider partnering with us towards our financial goal? We are extremely grateful that we have been awarded $7,500 in matching grants from The Jones Family Right Hand Foundation and Lifesong for Orphans. That means that every dollar donated through Lifesong will be matched dollar for dollar up to $7,500!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story!
Chris, Nina & Frankie
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 “Hart 10820”, 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