Hello, we are Brent and Melissa Mitchell. Adoption has been on our heart since 2017 when we learned that we were having fertility issues. As we felt the door close on conceiving children naturally, we felt stronger each day that God was guiding us to adoption. In the spring of 2018 we began our adoption journey with Kirsh and Kirsh. We signed on May 7 and expected months of waiting. On June 2 we got a call that a birth mom wanted to speak to us. That day in our hearts we became the parents of Riley.
Adoption is a beautiful and difficult process. It is beauty born from grief and trauma. We are so grateful that we have an amazing relationship with Riley’s birth mom, most of her siblings, and many other members of her birth family. We communicate with them several times a week if not daily and see each other for birthdays and other special events.
After Riley we were very open to adopting again; however, traditional adoption is quite expensive. We realized quickly that if we were to adopt again God would have to work out the details.
In the summer of 2022 it seemed adoption was not in our future. We went to sell our baby items to Once Upon a Child. When arrived there they were not accepting donations and we lugged everything back into the car. Fast forward two weeks later and we were glad we weren’t able to donate as we got a call asking us to consider adoption.
This adoption is also an open adoption. We have been texting, calling, and seeing birth mom throughout the process. Our little guy was due April 8th; however, he had other ideas. On March 24th we got the call he was coming. The morning of March 25th Grayson made his entrance into the world. He was 7lbs 3 oz and 20 inches long. He is a healthy, handsome little boy. We are so appreciative we could be there for his birth and have been in communication with her ever since.
Grayson has been a huge blessing to our family already. Big sister Riley can’t stand to be away from him and would live with him in her arms if we let her. He has the sweetest temperament. He often squeaks at us when upset, crying is just too much work. He is most content just snuggling with family so that is what we do.
Grayson’s consent to adoption was signed on March 25th. We anticipate the adoption to be finalized around May 23. On March 27th we were contacted by Lifesong and Forever Adoption Ministry about the possibility of a matching grant to help fund this adoption. We are trying to raise 6,000 dollars by May 21, as the funds must be raised before finalization. Any amount we raise will be matched by one of these amazing organizations. Thank you for supporting our adoption by prayer and/or financial assistance.
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 “Mitchell 10441”, 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
