After many years on the journey of adoption, we were selected in 2018 to adopt our son. A few months later, we were on a plane traveling to Mwana Villages to meet him. Mwana Villages is a non-profit family and orphan care refuge in Republic of Congo. Their focus is on family preservation and reunification. When these options are not possible, they seek a family for adoption. Spending time bonding with our young son for that week was incredible, but heartbreaking to leave. We began to make a plan to relocate to Congo for the duration of our adoption. Adoption timelines are always unknown, but because of how far along we were already in the process, we were confident this would be one year or less. It was so joyful to be reunited with our son. He is smart, funny, loving and so brave. We are truly the lucky ones and thankful we trusted the Lord for this big move.
We felt very prepared for life in Congo, but there is no way we could have imagined or prepared for a global pandemic and two months under strict quarantine. Even though by then our adoption was complete under Congolese law, because of COVID precautions and restrictions, our process with U.S. immigration came to a halt. We are so thankful that as of recently, our adoption immigration process has resumed. It is likely we will be able to travel home to the states in a matter of months. We are raising funds to help us with travel costs involved in coming home. Not only will we be flying from Congo to the United States, but the U.S. requires us to travel to a medical facility in the neighboring country Democratic Republic of Congo. This process is not quick or easy and it is also expensive. It will require air travel and a hotel stay. Thanks to the Lord we have been awarded a $5,000 matching grant from The 1:17 Fund, administered by Lifesong for Orphans. This grant will match up to $5,000 and we will use this for our travel expenses. Additional donations will be used for adoption-related expenses. Donations are tax-deductible. We are so thankful for any financial support and your prayers.
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 “Ruge 09294”, 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.