One family's amazing fundraising story to make their adoption a reality.

Adoption seemed like impossibility for us, but God made it a possibility by taking care of every detail along the way. The financial hurdle was a big one for us, but we truly believed that God was leading us in our adoption preparation. We had an inspiring couple who was praying and encouraging us along the way and told us, “don’t settle for less than what God has for you. He will provide a way!” As we prayed we felt that we needed to use what we had right in our hands, but what was that? Our first step was to open a checking account and label it “Adoption” and start saving right away. Then, in faith, we started filling out all of the adoption forms.

The first fund raising project was to paint a sign for our front yard and offer our pond lilies for a $25 donation towards the adoption. God even provided half price wader pants to harvest the lilies from the pond. Things were going well with the pond lily donations. We actually got a $25 donation for a frog. One day we received a phone call from a local newspaper reporter who had seen our sign and wanted to know what the lily project was all about. In a couple of weeks, our adoption story was on the front page of the local paper! How amazing is God? Totally! The story was entitled, “Couple hopes to get baby to go with crib”. A few days later, we received a phone call from a family who lived down the street and had adopted as well. They wanted to give us baby clothing! We would have never made contact with this family was if it weren’t for that newspaper article.

We sent out an email update to our friends and family explaining our adoption goals. We explained our decision to do a domestic adoption and gave them the opportunity to help us financially if they desired. You never know who may want to help your dream become a reality. My husband loves to recycle, so we recycled copper wire, aluminum cans, steel, and cell phones for cash. For the cell phones, we made drop boxes explaining our adoption plans and what the money would be used for. We placed the boxes at our church youth center (where we served as youth staff) and at local businesses that we had contacts with. We also applied for adoption grants on-line. Slowly, but surely, the dollars that we needed were getting closer to the anticipated need.

Meanwhile, our friends and family planned a baby shower for us. Would we really be getting a child after being married for 10 years and having no children? It was a big step knowing that they wanted to do this for us, but we knew we needed to be prepared for a baby in our home. What a blessing the shower was! I was especially touched when I read the invitation that they had sent out. It was so perfectly written for our situation. It read: “If it’s a boy or girl we simply can’t say, but let’s honor the parents before the big day. Their adoption home study is done and now they’re waiting for the special one. Because we care, let’s help them prepare. So when the awaited phone call may ring, our little blessing will have everything.“ The day was filled with fun, games, food, and tears of joy. Everyone left the celebration with a wallet sized plastic holder with a child’s alphabet block glued on it. It read: “Pray for their adoption – Psalm 20:4”. The paper with the prayer reminder has now been replaced with a photo of our daughter. What a special day it turned out to be and we were now prepared to have a baby in our home at a moment’s notice.

What a tremendous blessing it was to realize that God arranged for us to be mom and dad to a precious baby girl. Another blessing was that the newspaper did a follow-up story on the arrival of our baby. A verse we stood on was: Psalm 113:9— “He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother.” NLT.

We are now working on a second domestic adoption. We are looking forward to meeting the baby that God has picked out for our family. So, continue to pray for God’s direction in your family as well! It will be an exciting adventure that will increase your faith and trust in your Father. Nothing is impossible with God!

James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” NIV

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV

Psalm 37:23: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly; He delights in EVERY DETAIL of their lives.” NLT

Hebrew 11: So many good examples of men and women of faith!!!

Some additional information on the financial side of adoption:

• Fund raising meals i.e.: spaghetti dinner or a pancake breakfast
• Get donations for items i.e.: teddy bears with children’s pictures from the country you are adopting from to raise awareness of the country and have people pray
• Federal & state tax credits are available after your adoption is finalized
• Your employer i.e.: many companies give money toward adoptions—you just have to find out if they offer anything
• Discount flights i.e.: some airlines help lower the cost of international flights for adoptions
• Do a search on-line for additional ideas

We are excited to be working with Spirit of Faith Adoptions, a Christian nonprofit adoption organization, where the gifts toward adoptions are tax-deductable! If friends and family know they can help, you never know what may surface. As my friend encouraged me again recently, she said, “you never know if someone is looking for a place to give a gift that would provide a tax deduction, so it never hurts to ask.” So, don’t be afraid to ask people to pray for you and get the word out about your adoption plans!
Kim is happy to talk with families and share her fund raising ideas. To contact Kim, please e-mail: stacy@spiritoffaithadoptions.org