Almost thirty years ago, I (Chelsea) was adopted from overseas. I grew up with five adopted siblings, and have spent years advocating and advancing child welfare policy in Washington, D.C. Adoption has been my heartbeat for years.
For as long as I can remember, I (Michael) have wanted to be a father. As a child I learned how to catch and throw a football, how to run wild with my imagination, how to think, how to play, how to love and be loved. I want to pass that on to children of my own, and honestly cannot imagine Chelsea’s and my future apart from parenthood.
Lord willing, growing our family will happen through adoption. We’ve known this for quite some time now, and it was always a question of when, not if. Earlier this spring, shortly after quarantine began, we looked at each other and realized that “when” was “now.”
We are overjoyed to share this exciting news with each of you! Lord willing, we will pursue adoption of a little one (or two!) from India. We expect the process to take a year-and-a-half to three years.
While we’re thrilled to build our family through adoption, we recognize that it’s bittersweet, because loss is involved. Adoption exists, because brokenness exists. We know that the little one we’ll one day call ours will come from loss.
We entered our marriage knowing that we’d build our family through adoption, because my (Chelsea’s) body is unable to bear babies. As we’ve worked through the pain and loss, we’ve felt the Lord’s strength and tender care for us. He promises never to leave or forsake us, and we’ve clung to that truth for dear life. We’re also trusting that our future child or children are kept safely in the loving arms and capable hands of Jesus.
Over the past few months, we’ve prayed and sought wisdom from other adoptive parents. We’re so deeply grateful for the people who have shared with us, prayed for us, and gifted time and resources to us. It’s stood out to us how loved and cared for this little one already is, and how many people will help bring them home.
While we have many unanswered questions, fears, and needs, we’re trusting the Lord and stepping out in faith. Our deepest prayer is that the Lord would be glorified and honored in this process.
As we travel down this road, we would be humbled and grateful if you’d consider partnering with us – first and foremost in prayer. We believe that, more than anything, God will use the prayers of his church to strengthen and preserve our family (Chelsea, Michael, and our future children), and to provide for our deepest needs.
We are also learning that the adoption journey is an expensive enterprise. If you feel so led, we would be deeply grateful for your financial support! The entire process costs around $40,000, and is well beyond our means to service on our own. We are trusting God’s abundant provision, and believe that he will bring this good work to completion!
Thank you for being a part of our story.
India, here we come!
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 “Sobolik 09492”, 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.