The Bjorndal’s are Adopting!

Eric and Denise
Eric and Denise Columbus, Indiana

10 years ago during our premarital counseling we both agreed adoption would be a part of our story. Through the years, that desire was relatively neutral as we raised our 3 boys. In 2021, we felt God asking us to look deeper after watching “Duck Dynasty” and subsequently we have taken steps toward adoption. With each step taken so far, we’ve felt affirmed by Him through various stories, interactions with others, and even a great show like “Duck Dynasty”. If you have never watched the show, the main characters Korie and Willie have adopted kids in their family. The show is not about adoption nor is it promoting it. However, through watching it we saw their love, joy, messes and chaos with the adopted kids and their own biological kids in a family unit. Even though the Robertsons (Duck Dynasty) are very different than us, their family reminded me of ours. 

For those who ask why adoption? I think we answer simply because we have space in our hearts for another, and are willing to call them ours. What this adoption is not... is a challenge for us or a desire to be perceived a certain way. Denise and I spend a lot of time investing in our own kids but we also volunteer as small group leaders at our church with other kids because we enjoy sharing our stories and the gospel through our weaknesses and His strength. The adoption process for us is very simple for us. We just want another kid to love on and call ours. 

We are working with a Christian agency called “All Blessing International” and the paperwork is in-process rendering us “active” or available to welcome our newest member of the family.

For us to be successful here we need help both financially and with prayer. We do need them both as this process is very stressful and consuming. First, our goal is to raise $45,000 to cover the adoption costs by April 30th of 2022. To help with our shortcomings we have applied and been accepted for two grants from “Miriams Heart Adoption Fund” & “Lifesong For Orphans”. Both grants combined will match up to $7,000 of the total funds raised which is a huge blessing for us. Through this process we are leaning on our own funds, family and friends to achieve this lofty goal.

Secondly, we are preparing for the emotional roller coaster to come surrounding placement and generally raising another family member. We are excited and stressed trying to figure out how to get this done while also trusting God. Faith in moments of uncertainty and fear is not easy for us despite His continued hand in making things all work for the good. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and He will keep your paths straight”. That is our chest-beating song as we navigate this process, and are asking for you to be a-part of it with us if you can. We would appreciate the help financially, but if not, we will still take the prayers. You will find we are pretty transparent about things both financially and with the process itself. Feel free to ask/ call if you want to find out more.

If you feel called, see info below on how to help/ contribute financially. Thank you!

 

-Check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans” and on the memo line please write “#09931 Bjorndal”. Mail Checks To: Lifesong for Orphans PO Box 9 Gridley, IL 61744

-Online- Giving: Click the Donate button above

-In accordance with IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.

-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. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.


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 “Bjorndal 09931”, 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
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Raised to date by 15 people
 of  $54,000
Campaign Ended

My Story

10 years ago during our premarital counseling we both agreed adoption would be a part of our story. Through the years, that desire was relatively neutral as we raised our 3 boys. In 2021, we felt God asking us to look deeper after watching “Duck Dynasty” and subsequently we have taken steps toward adoption. With each step taken so far, we’ve felt affirmed by Him through various stories, interactions with others, and even a great show like “Duck Dynasty”. If you have never watched the show, the main characters Korie and Willie have adopted kids in their family. The show is not about adoption nor is it promoting it. However, through watching it we saw their love, joy, messes and chaos with the adopted kids and their own biological kids in a family unit. Even though the Robertsons (Duck Dynasty) are very different than us, their family reminded me of ours. 

For those who ask why adoption? I think we answer simply because we have space in our hearts for another, and are willing to call them ours. What this adoption is not... is a challenge for us or a desire to be perceived a certain way. Denise and I spend a lot of time investing in our own kids but we also volunteer as small group leaders at our church with other kids because we enjoy sharing our stories and the gospel through our weaknesses and His strength. The adoption process for us is very simple for us. We just want another kid to love on and call ours. 

We are working with a Christian agency called “All Blessing International” and the paperwork is in-process rendering us “active” or available to welcome our newest member of the family.

For us to be successful here we need help both financially and with prayer. We do need them both as this process is very stressful and consuming. First, our goal is to raise $45,000 to cover the adoption costs by April 30th of 2022. To help with our shortcomings we have applied and been accepted for two grants from “Miriams Heart Adoption Fund” & “Lifesong For Orphans”. Both grants combined will match up to $7,000 of the total funds raised which is a huge blessing for us. Through this process we are leaning on our own funds, family and friends to achieve this lofty goal.

Secondly, we are preparing for the emotional roller coaster to come surrounding placement and generally raising another family member. We are excited and stressed trying to figure out how to get this done while also trusting God. Faith in moments of uncertainty and fear is not easy for us despite His continued hand in making things all work for the good. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and He will keep your paths straight”. That is our chest-beating song as we navigate this process, and are asking for you to be a-part of it with us if you can. We would appreciate the help financially, but if not, we will still take the prayers. You will find we are pretty transparent about things both financially and with the process itself. Feel free to ask/ call if you want to find out more.

If you feel called, see info below on how to help/ contribute financially. Thank you!

 

-Check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans” and on the memo line please write “#09931 Bjorndal”. Mail Checks To: Lifesong for Orphans PO Box 9 Gridley, IL 61744

-Online- Giving: Click the Donate button above

-In accordance with IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.

-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. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.


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 “Bjorndal 09931”, 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
Read more

We are home!

June 9, 2023

We are home!!!!! Its been a crazy few weeks and we wouldnt change it for anything.  Miss P is home and we are all smitten with her.  Especially her 3 big brothers.  We had to create a schedule for feeding, burping, letting her sleep in their arms because they all wanted a turn and are definally capable. It is so sweet to watch them bond each in their own way.  Lawrence love singing to her in his high sweet voice, Owen loves burping her then reclining to snuggle.  Reggie holds her for about 5 mins and tells her some cool usually about rocks. He also is in charge of the diaper bag and wears it with such pride.  

Gods fingerprints have been all over this process and there are some really cool moments we want to share. We wanted to thank everyone for joing us on this journey! Its been a long 2 years and we have felt so much support.  More to come on her story but for now we are all bonding and its going well.  We just a text or phone call away and dont be a stangers if you see us out and about.  We love you all so much!!!

Our Lifesong account will be closed on June 14 that is also the last day to buy coffee.  If anyone is still interested.  

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We’re Matched!!!

May 23, 2023

You read that correctly, we are matched!  Baby girl will join our family in a few weeks. Let the nesting start!!!

Here is a short version of the story. God has woven this beautifully and we have felt his hand through this entire journey. 

4 weeks ago we recieved a situtation that stood out to us.  2 weeks later we were informed the birth mom loved our adoption book and she wanted to interview us and another family before making her finial decision.  4 days ago the interview took place and she was a gem.  We felt Gods presence in multiply steps along this journey.  Before we presented to a birth mom we always prayed our profile would stand out and the mom would have peace when reading it.  (We never told anyone this) On this phone call that is excality what the birth mom said as to why she like us.  We all connected and there was lots of laughing and crying as we discussed back and forth.  She asked tough questions and we answered boldy.   With in 10 mins after our phone call our agency call and said she pick us!  Eric and I just sat there in silence, in disbelief that this was actually happening.  

As we prepare to meet our sweet daughter there are a few things we still need.  We just short of the total cost and we have 15 days to raise it.  We have seen God do amazing things and we know he can do it again.  We are also creating a baby registery of things we need.  We are 100% open to second hand things so if you have any of the things laying around and are willing to part with let us know.  Please continue to lift us up in prayer.  Our boys are experiencing a ton of emotions and alot of anxiety as we will be apart for a few weeks.   We get to be present when she is born which is a huge blessing.  Lift up the birth mom as she is in the final weeks of pregancy.

We would love to share more of our story and are just a phone call away.

 

Thanks so much for being on this jouney with us!

Love,

The Bjorndal’s 

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Trusting Gods Timing

November 29, 2022

We are faithfully trusting God and his timing.  The past year has been a rollercoaster with many ups and downs.  We have presented to several moms throughout that time but never matched.  Receiving the email or phone call is a hard rejection but we quickly surrender that to God.  We know those children were not supposed to be ours and they are loved and safe.  That’s what matters.  We know God has something big planned and we are super excited for his timing.  Our child is out there and we look forward to meeting them.  

Please continue to life our family up in prayer.  This journey has moments of hard for each of us and the process has made our faith stronger.  

We are in the process of redoing our homestudy and all the necessary documents.  (They are only good for a year).   Thanks for being on this journey with us!

 

Love,

Bjorndal Clan

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We are so blessed!!

July 6, 2022

The biggest unknown for us during this process has always been the money.  Where in the world would we get an extra $45,000.  That is alot of money for a single income family and we have been reliying on God and trusting him with this.  

Fast forward we once again have been blessed.   It was a normal tuesday evening checking the mail after dinner when I saw the letter.  I froze while Lawrence open the letter just like any other letter.  Tears filled my eyes when I read the letter followed by a super fast race up the driveway to tell Eric.   Loud cheers were hear by all followed by lots of tears.  We recieved a grant of $10,000 from Show Hope and it definallty was a ray of hope. We are only $6,625 short from being fully funded!!!! We have 1 more grant in process and will hear their decision near the end of September. 

We are still waiting to be matched.  Please continue to pray for us as this process has many unknowns and its hard to be patience.  

 

We love you all!  Thanks for being on this journey with us!

 

Love,

The Bjorndal Gang

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ACTIVE!!!!!!!

March 18, 2022

Hey Friends and Family!  We wanted to update everyone on our process.  We are ACTIVE and listed with 4 agencies.  Our profile book is in their hands and we are just waiting.   The process has been stressful but we feel peace at the same time.  Which is 100% a God thing! God has been with us every step of the way. Pray for this mom, child, and our family are we go through this process.  We haven’t meet yet but some day we will!!!

 

Financially we have raised 50% of our goal and feel so incredible blessed by everyone who has supported us!  We have applied for 3 other grants and will hear in June is we were accepted.  Our coffee fundrasier is active till september, A La Craft fundraiser is active the whole month of March.  

 

We love you!

 

Eric and Denise

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Update

February 15, 2022

Friends and family, we wanted to give an update on our adoption journey that we posted 3 weeks ago on FB/ our page on “mystory” and from the coffee fundraiser. We are really humbled by this process and are excited to announce we not only achieved our matching grant of $7,000 but in total we are at 40% of what we need. So many friends and family have helped us and have sent words of encouragement, sharing our adoption page with their networks and by generously donating financially.  We love all the prayers and support, and we need to continue to ask for your help! Please share the link below, and continue to pray for our family. Our home study is approved and we are working through the final edits of our profile book.

 

Thank you for walking alongside us, much love to you all. 

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Comments

$27,500

Offline Donation

May 31, 2023

$5,000

Robert

May 18, 2023

“Love you guys”

$3,000

Jennie

May 16, 2023

“God Bless your family!”

$200

Felicia

May 15, 2023

“We love you guys and are so proud and happy for you!!!”

$600

Hidden

May 14, 2023

$1,500

Bart

Nov 29, 2022

$100

Olivia

Nov 29, 2022

$100

Merle & Jennifer

Apr 1, 2022

$1,000

Hidden

Feb 15, 2022

“God bless you. With all our love, Aunt Vega, Uncle Art, Martin and Karl.”

$100

Hidden

Feb 5, 2022

$500

James & Kammy

Feb 3, 2022

$2,000

Hidden

Jan 31, 2022

“Love you guys and what you're doing!”

$100

Kelly

Jan 26, 2022

“'Well done my good and faithful servant' With all my love - Cousin Kelly”

$1,000

Peter & Mary

Jan 26, 2022

“We are so, so excited for you guys and are grateful for your hearts to pursue adoption. We've experienced first hand that it takes a village -- and we're grateful to be a part of your village. :)”

$100

Olivia

Jan 26, 2022