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