Dearest Family and Friends!
A desire to adopt a baby into our family has been in our hearts and minds for some time now. We have been so blessed with the gift of our two little boys but we can’t deny that it feels like someone is missing. Because of this longing and Mikaylah’s ongoing, undiagnosed gut issues, we feel now is the time to adopt!
God has already opened insane doors for us! Some friends randomly gave us a check towards our adoption before we even truly started on this journey. That check was the exact amount we needed to cover the cost of our home study. Then, surprisingly, we discovered the social worker who did our home study is a part of our church and has become a gem of wisdom in this journey. We have also been blessed with a handful of people who have generously supported us financially, making it possible for us to sign up with Christian Adoption Consults. While this is only the beginning, we trust and believe in all the other beautiful things God will do to make this happen.
The cost of a domestic infant adoption through an agency or an attorney averages around $40,000. The money is needed to cover the agency application fees, expectant/birth mother’s care, legal fees, travel expenses, and so on. The cool thing is we have received a matching grant of $6,000 from Lifesong for Orphans!!!
God uses people – for finances, for support and prayers. It takes a village to raise a child and we would say that it takes a village to provide support and raise money to adopt that child! This is where you have the opportunity to join in the adventure with us.
Will you please consider making a donation to help cover these expenses? If so, please use the following information to do so:
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If you are paying by mail: make them payable to Lifesong for Orphans but make sure you write Rathbun #10051 on the memo line so they know to wire the money to our fundraiser specifically. Mail to: Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
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If you are giving online: Click the DONATE button on this page.
Note: In accordance with IRS guidelines, Your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full disclosure over its use but intends to honor your “suggested” use. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations of $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Anything less than $50 can still get an exemption receipt if requested.
We know prayers do wonders. Please continue to keep us, this process, and the expectant mother in your prayers. We are so grateful for all of your love and support and look forward to keeping you updated and bringing our baby home!
Love, The Rathbun Clan
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 “Rathbun 10051”, 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