UPDATE: Our adoption is FULLY FUNDED. At this time, we are not in need of any additional donations. All glory to Him who made a way! Praise the Lord!
Operation: Baby Brother
It’s been a busy summer around the Casavant household. Days at the park, summer camps, countless scooter rides around the neighborhood, and prepping for an adoption behind the scenes! When we first received the call in May that our son Teddy’s birth mom was pregnant again and hoping to place baby with us, we were in a state of shock. Adoption is a total commitment of heart and soul to a child. It involves days of paperwork, budgeting every penny, totally releasing control, holding joy and heartbreak at the same time, and spending hours on your knees in prayer. It was the hardest thing I think we’ve ever done. And yet, we knew our answer that first night as Brian and I sat on the couch and prayed. We didn’t know the how-where the courage or fortitude or money would come from-but we knew our answer was yes. A yes to a brother who shares half of Teddy’s genetics. A yes to keeping siblings together. A yes to there being room in our hearts and our home for more. A yes to loving this child with everything we have (that’s the easy part!). Ultimately, a yes to our Lord, to walk this in obedience and trusting belief that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This was our literal and metaphorical call. We said YES!
If you’ve seen me this summer, you know that I’ve been categorizing our “to dos” into months. June was home study month. July we spent applying for grants. In August, I inventoried the baby things I hadn’t given away (oops!). Now, in September as we hit the third trimester stretch, we’re securing the last bit of funding. Despite our agency giving us a large sibling discount, we are still budgeting the total cost of this adoption at around $40,000. And yet, the Lord has been so faithful to us. We have been overwhelmed by his provision. Lifesong and the Coram Deo Church Lifesong fund represent just one of several organizations that have partnered with us to bring this surprise, adored, and highly anticipated “baby bruther” home.
So what do we need?
First, we need prayer. Please pray for Mama M who is carrying a child she loves deeply. Please pray for her heart, that she can rest in the Lord and his plan for both her and this child’s life. This baby is not ours until she says so after baby is born, but we are certain that she is ours to pray for, love on, and care for no matter her choice. Could you say a prayer for her health and her heart? For baby to grow strong and healthy? And for us to have everything it takes to love her as Christ loved us?
Second, Lifesong and Coram Deo have offered us a $7,000 matching grant. That means for every dollar donated, they will match the amount dollar to dollar up to $7,000. Every gift will be doubled. And if we are able to fundraise this amount, our adoption will be FULLY FUNDED. To say those words bring me to my knees is not an exaggeration-they’re still bruised from the day they hit the floor when I received the call from Lifesong. In May, we said yes not knowing quite how we would do it. It’s been a summer of reminding ourselves that we can’t, but God can. Now, seeing it all laid out, we are simply filled with gratitude. If you bring this up to me in person, I will cry.
It’s humbling to ask for help, but it’s a joy to share our story and bring awareness to what it looks like to walk an adoption behind the scenes. Regardless of your ability to give, we hope our story can be a blessing to you. We could never have written the twisting story of growing our family, but the Lord’s providence is on every piece of it.
With love,
Allie, Brian, Rosie, Lucy, & Teddy Casavant
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 “Casavant 11128”, 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