Even before we were married, we had discussed the potential to adopt as one of the ways in which we would grow our family. In 2016, after discovering that we suffered from infertility, even while processing the grief that comes with that news, we quickly made the decision that adoption, which we always hoped would one day be a part of our story, would be the path we would take to bring our first son or daughter home. After receiving our diagnosis in March, we dedicated ourselves to learning what the process for domestic adoption entailed, eager to learn what would be needed to bring our son or daughter home. By June we had completed our home study, and we then began engaging our family, friends, and community in our adoption journey, both in emotional and financial support. Without this support, we would not have been able to bring our daughter home by January.
The experience of adopting our daughter has taught us more about who we are as a couple, who we want to be as parents, and how we want to contribute to our community, more than any other experience in our marriage so far. We learned that as a couple, we are strong enough to get through the most severe of challenges by communicating, leaning on the other person in times of weakness, and trusting that there is no other person we would want to experience all of this with. We learned that we want to raise our children to understand their stories and to have confidence to share that story with others. Lastly, we’ve also learned that raising our children will take a deep reliance on our community, both in working to bring our children home and also in helping to raise them to see beyond themselves to make an impact on the world.
We have not yet matched, so we do not know the specific child that will be joining our family. But, for us, we know that adoption is not just a crucial part to our story, it is our story. Adoption will be the path by which we continue to grow our family.
We have graciously been awarded a $2,500 matching grant from Antioch Church + Lifesong Adoption Funds, administered by Lifesong for Orphans. With the support of our family, friends, and community, we cannot wait to welcome our second daughter or son into this world.
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 “Six 09393”, 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.