Happy Friday friends! I decided to start this blog in an effort to share what is going on in our lives among other reasons. One of the main reasons is we have some news to share!
Chris and I have prayed and talked a long time and have decided to begin the process to adopt a baby! This of course is not a light decision, but one we clearly feel God has led us too and called us for. Adoption is something I've always known I would be a part of and was blessed with a husband who shared this hope.
That decision made, I decided to start a blog for a few reasons. 1. Keep those who are interested in our journey up to date on what's happening as I might not want to post everything on Facebook. 2. Allow me to network and possibly meet people who are on a journey like ours. 3. Fundraising.
Now you may want to know some actual details about where we are in the process etc so here you go!
As of today, the 25th of July (which happens to be Chris' birthday!) we have officially submitted our application for the Loving Options Infant program in the states of Oregon and Washington, to the
Christian Family Adoptions agency in Portland. We met with the program director earlier in the week and felt so much peace about our decision. This agency is so focused on the details, which I so appreciate. Their main goal is to really support the birth mom through the process, as well as the adoptive family. They do endless hours of counseling and working through decisions to help the birth mom know she is absolutely making the best choice for her child. That really spoke to me as I can't even imagine the sacrifice this woman will make for her child. Its beyond humbling and most likely will require a post all its own.
As we talked with the director, I was able to express how important our faith is to us and found that it was equally so with the agency. What confirmed everything for me was that at the end of the meeting, without knowing if we even intended to use her agency, she asked if she could pray with us over our adoption process. That was such a blessing to us. She then said their agency only has one requirement from their adoptive families, that they be people of courage. (Hence the name of our blog since *ahem* we're still searching for ours!) We walked out of the office with our good friend JoeAnn and all looked at each other and knew we had found the place for us.
That night we went home and immediately filled out the first of MANY documents to come in this process. (adoptions are LEGENDARY for their paperwork. I might need to buy stock in a paper company!) From here we wait for 7-10 days as the agency reviews. At that time if we are approved, we begin the long process of completing paperwork including autobiography's, reference letters from friends/family, asset/debt information, criminal background checks, physical exams showing health status and a family book that is shown to potential birth mothers. This book will include numerous photos of us with friends/family as well as letters about ourselves. In addition to all of this, we will have 2 separate home studies where they will interview us together and separately.
Once all of the above is done and we have raised enough funds, we will get approved to enter the 'pool' of waiting to adopt families. From here it could be as little as 1 day up to 2 years.Its hard to be so excited yet know at the same time some wonderful woman out there is experiencing what could be a really difficult time. I have a hard time comprehending the magnitude of what will take place in our future and am just trusting that God will be in the middle of it all.
So, that is where we are currently. I will do my best to update throughout the journey. Some people have asked how they can help so here are some ways to support us.
1. PRAY - More than anything this is what we ask. Specifically for the birth mom - health, protection and grace for her. Chris and I, that we would be patient and calm through the process. Finances - we need quite a bit to afford this, as well as my hope to be able to stay home once baby arrives.
2. Fund raise - I have several amazing friends who are spearheading the fundraising campaign. We have to raise a large number that I will spare you from seeing at the moment (because I'm still in shock and if I type it I might pass out!) We more than trust God to provide for exactly what we need, but are open to how He will do this. We do have some funds saved up, but will be working hard in the months to come to raise the rest. The funds needed cover all agency costs, lawyer fees, birth mom support, home study and caseworkers time/mileage. Some of our fundraisers will include: Hair cuts, manicures/pedicures, yard sales, babysitting nights, my Etsy business (TenVintageSparrows), Coffee and T-shirt sales among many others.
If it is on your heart to donate, we would be so humbled. As you can imagine, it is quite difficult to ask. I will have a Paypal link on the blog soon where you can donate, otherwise please consider one of the fundraisers we set up. Our first one is a yard sale Sat-Sun August 2-3rd at our house. Please email me for the address if you are interested in going! We are taking donations of items that you plan to donate to Goodwill. I will pick up anything you are able to donate. Or just come to our yard sale and get awesome treasures! We may have a bake sale too. Thank you in advance for even considering it. Its not something Chris and I take lightly and will be praying abundant blessing back to you!
3. Moral Support - From what I've read, researched and learned, this can be a grueling process full of ups and downs. An encouraging word now and then from our friends would go a long ways! We don't know what we face, but know God will be with us through it.
So that is all for now. I'm off to celebrate my husbands birthday. He's going to be such a rock star Dad and I cannot wait for the moment that happens.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my ramblings. Please follow the blog for more details or email me at adoptionlove@hotmail.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for us.
Much Love, Kristen & Chris
PS - We wish we could have told everyone in person, but as you can imagine we're slightly overwhelmed so please don't hate us!
1 Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.....
