Our families’ decision to adopt is simple, although it has deep roots. My husband was recently asked by a very close family friend of ours: “What made you decide to adopt?” Without hesitation, he replied, “I guess it’s always been the plan”. The answer for why is undoubtedly simple, despite our extensive personal reasons and understandings of the process:
We are called to live out the Word of God and become hope and healing to the broken and Fatherless. We are commanded by God to care for the orphans in their distress (James 1:27) and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). There are many ways to accomplish this commandment. For our family, we are choosing the lifelong commitment to adopt and permanently care for future daughter(s) as a family.
Separately, my husband and I served with vulnerable children overseas (before meeting each other). After meeting and marrying, we traveled and served with orphans in Bulgaria for several years through a ministry called the Lora Foundation (the organization I had previously worked with on several previous trips). The experience was both a joy and a burden. Upon our first trip to Bulgaria together, hardship presented itself from all sides. However, God raised us up to step out in faith and He provided for us in a miraculous, unforeseeable way after we were forced to cling only to the notion that He had called us to go, so we had to go, we had to serve in this way. There was no other option but to follow His Will. Although we gave everything within us while we were with those children, there always came the time we had to return home. Our hearts were continually broken when we had to leave those precious loves behind.
When my sister and I were children, my parents answered the call to adopt. My youngest sister and brother (a sibling group) came to be part of our family. I wish I could say it was an easy transition filled with mutual love, happiness, and eye-catching professional photos, but it was not. It was and is filled with hardship and challenges and has shown me just how much easier it would be to say no. However, God did not call us to take the easy road. He tells us it will be hard; we will be persecuted and challenged; we will likely suffer for His name-sake. I have watched the strength God has given my own parents as they weather the storms and continue to answer the call God placed on their lives.
As a current family of 3, we are stepping out in faith to change the world for the child(ren) God is preparing for our family (and has been preparing us for).
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 “Tickell 11368”, 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