In May 2011, I was sitting in a college “ice breaker” session on orientation day. I was not aware the man sitting across from me was the man I had prayed for. The man that I would later marry and grow a family with. At the time he was “not my type” and he was not necessarily what I pictured in my cookie cutter “plans.” Little did I know God had plans that far exceeded mine.
Two years into our marriage, we had planned to have our first child and we were met with the loss of our first pregnancy. After this loss we spent a lot of time grieving, praying, and soul searching. Months later, on what was the due date of our first pregnancy, we received the very unexpected surprise that we were pregnant with our daughter, Hadley.
Fast forward five years and once again we found ourselves very humbled when our plans for a second child were not the plans that God had in store for us. We began settling into the idea of being a family of three and making plans for the future, when we ultimately felt God move in our hearts to look toward adoption. This had always been a discussion we had on and off throughout our marriage, but our “plans” seemed to have a way of pushing it under the rug.
We began to see doors being opened and after much prayer, wise counseling, and searching, Hunter and I began the journey of adoption. We are currently praying and anticipating the day we match with the little soul that God has, or will have, out there for us.
Throughout this journey God has shown us, no matter how much we plan, He is in control and He will guide our way. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” We are so excited to see what God has in store for our family.
As many know this does come with a big cost financially, in some cases it can total up to $50,000 or more. This is why from the moment we decided to move forward we have saved, fundraised, had a few pledges, and have been able to put back a majority of what we need for this adoption. We have been left however with a “small” portion of what we need to cover our adoption expense. We have already felt SO MUCH love and support and to have been SO GRACIOUSLY awarded a matching grant from Hope That Binds and Lifesong for Orphans in the amount of $7000. This means that up to this amount, whatever we can raise they will match, ultimately helping us reach our goal amount to cover adoption expenses.
We are asking if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us by donating, sharing our story, or praying with us. We are praying for the birth mother who we hope will become part of our family, our future child, and over all the details that need to come together to complete this process.
We have been so blessed by the outpouring of love, encouragement, and support through this journey. Thank you!
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 “McGuire 10475”, 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