Thank you for taking the time to read about our story!
Nick and I have been together since we were 15 years old and adoption/foster care has always been something on our hearts. I always knew I wanted to be a momma and we talked about it often. We both knew we wanted biological children but also we always felt this itch that adoption would included in how we created our family.
I remember when Lizzie was in grad school in 2018 she learned more about foster care through her church at the time and called me saying she hopes one day we can help meet the needs of families in our home state through foster care.
Fast forward towards the end of 2023, we have two beautiful children and felt confident we didn’t want to have more biological children. Pregnancy was hard on Lizzie physically and mentally. But we didn’t feel like our family was complete. One night Nick was at the dinner table and he said to me “Lizzie I just envision more children at our table”.
Lizzie had quietly been praying and pondering adoption towards the later half of 2023 and towards the beginning of 2024, we began intentionally asking God for guidance.
We both prayed and asked the Lord for guidance separtely, and would come back and talk about it 3 weeks later. This went on for a few months, each time without fail both of us would have several God stories to share on how God was telling one another through mutual connections, quiet time, random people, new babysitters etc.. that adoption was our path. Eventually, we were like “OK God, thanks for making this clear!”
Now to the details – we are adopting domestically (anywhere in the USA!) and feel the Lords calling to keep any preferences open in regards to race, disability, multiples etc. 🙂 Our 3rd child could be any age younger than Ruby who is 2years old. We have been advised to keep the birth order, and we are happy to do that!
The national average for adoption costs around $60,000. We have seen cases as high as $80,000 and as low as $40,000. I wish I understood why it was so expensive, but it has to do with legal fees, birth mother fees, state fees etc…
We have been awarded $8,000 in matching grants from Mercy Road Church Northwest Adoption Fund + Lifesong for Orphans. If a friend donates $50 it will be doubled. Every dollar you donate will be doubled, up to $8,000. That means we can turn $8,000 to $16,000.
Thank you so much for reading about our WHY and for taking time to read this! If you feel called to donate – your donation is doubled 🙂
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 “Woerner 11121”, 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