Fundraising

For some reason, to many people outside of the adoption community, those fundraising for adoption are considered unfit parents.  We are constantly told, "If you can't afford to adopt then you can't afford to raise a child."

Perhaps it is time to explain adoption expenses.  Adoptions normally cost $20,000 - 30,000.  We understand medical costs, diapers, formula, etc.  We have to pay all of that, too.  But we don't get to cover everything with health insurance.  Normally adoptive parents don't get big ticket items (cribs, strollers, carseats, etc.) as gifts, either.  Plus $20,000 on top of that!

Other than overhead costs- building expenses, salaries, etc.- adoption costs are about the birth mother.  Adoption is about the selfless family that places their precious child into another family's arms.  If necessary, adoptive families will pay rent, groceries, medical bills... anything birth mom needs to take care of her and her child.

All that being said, we have begun our fundraiser for our second adoption!  Yes, we are primarily pursuing embryo adoption.  There are no guarantees in this, obviously.  And, if the embryo adoption is not successful, we will be jumping right into domestic adoption again!

If you are so inclined, please donate to our adoption.  If you cannot help financially, please support us in prayer and by giving us a "hug" on our Fundraiser Site.

1,000 Times

Do you remember that moment you discovered the purpose for your life? Perhaps it was a series of moments that led to that discovery. Something happened- a diagnosis, a conversion, a tragedy- that created this weight on your heart for a cause, that cause. It was something big and painful and had an unforgettable impact. Maybe you didn't realize it at first. It started with an itch, a pulling at your soul, every time it was mentioned. Then it happened. You attended that fundraiser, you built that house, you donated your precious blood or organ. Or, in my case, I adopted a child. And that's when everything changed.

Nothing life-defining is ever easy. We are refined through the fire. And every passion is the result of pain.

Before I found my passion, I survived 6 miscarriages. Yes, I lost 6 pregnancies. 6 precious angels never survived to experience their first day on earth. I ran out of faith, friends ran out of wisdom, and doctors ran out of answers. And it damn near destroyed me.

Even though adoption was always in our plans, it does not erase the pain of pregnancy loss. And when I joined the adoption community, that's when I realized that I wasn't alone. I am not alone in infertility, in adoption, in having a love and longing for children. There are others struggling, too.

I knew I had a passion for children, especially those in need, before our infertility journey. I traveled to the slums of Mexico City once to work with children that had nowhere to go while on summer break from school and their parents were working in the city. That was the moment I knew I needed kids in my life. God just hadn't revealed how just yet. But after the pain of six losses and one failed adoption, I gave up on God and my idea of his plan. Then, I finally got to meet my daughter for the first time.

At that moment, while she was still in her birth mother's arms, I knew... I would do it again. 6 times, 100 times, 1,000 times. I would endure that pain for her. I would endure it for every child that needs a home. And every birth mother that needs to make that selfless choice.

Adoption is my passion. What is yours?

A Shell of a Life

Bear with me for a moment while I vent some frustration that I have been holding in for a while.

Why do humans have an obsession with a competition of outward appearances? So many waste precious time, energy, and money on how others will view them.

You sacrifice your soul, everything inside of you, for this shell you have created. Faith, compassion, and true joy have been destroyed in this journey to be viewed as superior. Your life has become an empty eggshell... flawless to the eyes, but delicate and hollow.

Someday something hard or strong or heavy will come along and begin to crack your thin shell. A person, a situation, an accident... out of seemingly nowhere your perfect facade will chip away.  When you fall apart, nothing will be left... revealing the hollowness of the life you created.

Do not allow this competition to consume you. Complete yourself, build up your spouse, pour into your children. Fill your kids with hope, joy, wisdom, and love. We were never promised that this life would be easy. But, when something attempts to break them down, they can stand on their own and will not fall to pieces.

This shell that consumes your heart is a transparent one. Your emptiness is visible.

If I were in your shoes

If I were in your shoes...Things would have been different.

I never would have trusted a family based on a scrapbook. I would not have gotten in a car with them alone after only knowing them for ten days. There is no way I could have been brave while being hooked up to IVs without any friends or family with me, not knowing what to expect.

I would have made the easy choices. I wouldn't have been brave or strong or independent. I would have given up, stopped trying. I am too selfish.

I could not have placed my perfect new daughter in the arms of strangers. I could never know  what the right decision was. I will never comprehend the level of trust in your heart.

I would have fallen apart. I would have lost hope. I would have made all the wrong choices... Numbed the memory and never looked back.

I am so blessed that you are not me. And, because of your selflessness, our daughter will always know how amazing you are. I pray that you always stay strong,  beautiful, and loving.