UPDATE 3/20/23
WE ARE MATCHED!
It is hard to believe we are coming up to 2.5 years since we started the adoption process. It hasn’t been easy through these years, that is for sure. But we are so happy to share the joy in answered prayers and the shining bright light at the end of the tunnel!
We have had the joy to talk with the expectant mom who chose us and through those conversations we see so many qualities in her we hope this baby becomes.
She is beautiful
She is strong
She is brave
She is smart
She is compassionate
She is selfless
Her baby BOY is due in the summer of 2023 and will be born in Texas. Over the next several months, we can’t wait to continue building our relationship with her, and for the day to come to meet her baby.
In the meantime, we are working through several details for travel, lodging, and keeping our packing list of “necessities” short and sweet.
What we are asking from you; to continue praying with us:
-That God will protect and comfort the expectant mom and baby during this process. He is in control and will be with them when we cannot be.
-That God’s glory will be proclaimed throughout this process.
-God will enable us to face the joys and sorrows of this transition to parenthood with joy, gratitude, and prayer.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Original Post 6/1/21:
We are growing our family through domestic adoption!
For the past 2 years, Sam and I have been prayerfully considering adoption to start our family. We had always talked about adoption being part of our story–we always had our why to adoption, but never our when. Over the past several years, God placed adoption even deeper in our hearts and we longed for the chance to provide for a child in this way. Throughout the past 4 years of trying to grow our family biologically, we have seen the provision of God as he worked through our grief following several miscarriages, and the disappointments and sufferings through unexplained infertility. Following each failed pregnancy and each doctor appointment, our desire for adoption grew stronger. God has never failed us, and we can fully trust Him as we surrender our plans to His. We have been reminded that all is in His plan. Our family is in God’s hand.
Saying “yes” to adoption has been one of the best things we have done. God has led us here and it has been beautifully faith-building, as we imagine it will continue to be. Being part of adoption has given us a glimpse of what God did for us as He adopted us into His family. It is such a priceless gift to be part of a living example of what it means to be adopted into God’s family. We do not yet know this child, but our hearts are so full and bursting with love for this child.
While we have many unanswered questions, fears, and needs, we are also filled with so much joy, excitement, and love and are trusting the Lord and stepping out in faith. Our deepest prayer is the Lord would be glorified and honored as our adoption journey unfolds.
Currently, we are in the “active phase” of adoption and are presenting our profile to birth moms. We are working with an outstanding adoption consultant and are applying to multiple adoption agencies throughout the United States to have a greater reach for any opportunities the Lord may lead us to.
Would you pray with us?
As we continue our journey through adoption, we would be humbled and grateful if you would consider partnering with us–first and foremost in prayer. We believe that, more than anything, God uses the power of prayer to bring all things to His glory. A few specific prayer requests we have at this time include:
1. Prayer for the expectant mom–that we might be able to share the love of Christ with her and encourage her. That God would give her peace, guidance, and support as she navigates her adoption journey.
2. Prayer for the child–the child’s safety and health as God is knitting this precious life together fearfully and wonderfully in His image.
3. Prayer in thanksgiving and praise to God for His abundant love and example of adoption and providing us the privilege to love this child through Him.
4. Prayer for strength, discernment, and endurance in the times when the journey seems long and exhausting.
5. Prayer for God’s hand in our lives as we become new parents and welcome a child. Pray our eyes would remain fixed on Christ.
Would you like to support us financially?
Adoption related costs are variable depending on each situation. Our adoption fees will range between $45,000-$60,000. This wide range is due to varying services provided by different agencies and cost associated with different states. The amount covers agency fees, expectant mom living/medical expenses, ongoing counseling and post-placement support for birth families, legal fees, travel for out-of-state adoption, and other expenses. We are asking that you pray and ask God if a financial contribution is something He is placing on your heart. We are trusting in God’s abundant provision and believe he will bring this good work to completion. We are so grateful to our family and friends who have expressed desire to support us in this way.
We have been blessed to have received two matching grants through a partnership between Lifesong for Orphans and Hands of Hope for a total of $4,000. With this grant, the first $4,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar. We are so thankful for this gift!
If you would like to give to our adoption fund, please refer to the instructions below.
Thank you!
Finally, we ask that you share our story! We pray that our story would be an inspiration to others as they consider how they can take part in adoption, foster care, or any other child needs.
It would mean a great deal to us if you would join us in this journey, either through prayer or financial support. We are so THANKFUL for your ongoing love and support and will keep you posted along the journey! Over the years, our hearts have been prepared, opened, and full of so much joy as adoption has taken over our whole hearts. We are so excited to enter this new season of parenthood!
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 “Zylstra 09595”, 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.