As most of you know my love for children started at an early age. I remember sprinting to the nursery as soon as church was over to be the first one to get to the little ones. No matter where I went, I was the one that would be in the middle of the kids. I babysat as soon as I was allowed. My high school job was working at a daycare. I knew I was wired to care for children, and my heart has consistently yearned to be a mom. As I have helped to navigate adoptions with friends and served in social work settings, I have always known even if I were to have biological children, adoption would be part of my story. In September 2023, with my home study complete, I began connecting with adoption agencies and birth mothers, seeking the Lord’s direction for my future family. It has been a rollercoaster ride to say the least, but I am excited to let you know some BIG NEWS – I was recently matched with a birth mother in Utah. The baby is due in February, and I am actively making plans to be there for most of that month to meet and bring home this precious little one.
I am BEYOND grateful for the generosity my friends and family members have already shown over the past 14 months, but as I have continued down this road I have realized that the cost of a private adoption is double the amount that I previously estimated…the numbers are now closer to $85,000. Yes, I want to vomit & scream too. To help cover the cost, I have applied for 19 grants, several of which have been approved and will pay out once the adoption is complete. Lifesong is one of the ministries that has awarded me a grant ($5,000) and they offered this platform at no cost to allow donors to give tax-deductible gifts to help cover my remaining adoption costs.
If anyone would like to give a different way, please feel free to contact me directly at valeriedixonadoption@gmail.com For example, if you have Marriott points or miles for flights, those can be transferred to me to help offset the costs of travel. I am blessed to be part of an amazing community in Christ. Thank you so much for your partnership and for 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 “Dixon 10881”, 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