Week 2

Dear Adoption Community,

Jeff and I have been completely overwhelmed (in a very positive way) by the amount of support we have received since announcing our plans to adopt. We are truly grateful for your encouraging words, reassurance, and hugs! It has also been wonderful hearing stories of how adoption has effected your lives. I had no idea that it has touched so many people. It's been an inspiration to hear such positive stories about adoption from families who have adopted and from individuals who were blessed by being adopted. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us and letting us know that we're not alone.

If you missed our Facebook announcement, here is our chocolate lab, Sherlock, doing the honors:

 *Not pictured: 173 failed attempts of an 9-month-old lab puppy running in and out of the frame. 

We are also excited to announce our first fundraiser! We will be selling t-shirts now through the end of February. They are Hanes Tagless, 100% cotton, crewneck white t-shirts. The have been pre-shrunk, so keep that in mind when you choose your size. The sizes run from youth extra small up to 4XL. We are selling each shirt for $12.00. If you are interested in purchasing one (or multiple), please email me, message me on Facebook, text or call me with your size preference, and I will reply with our address so you can mail us your check (if you're a friend who lives far away). I plan to place the order on March 1 and shirts should arrive in mid-March. I will then contact you about distribution. I created the shirt, pictured below, using Custom Ink.  Please note, the "do your part" is written in maroon even though it looks pink on some computers. The shirts are gender-neutral.

For those of you who don't know us personally, or are just curious as to where your money will go or how Jeff and I are preparing for the adoption, I would like to take some time to tell you. First, please don't ever feel pressured to donate. Some people will be called to help us financially and some won't. And that's okay! Perhaps there is another cause to which you give charitably; God places within us different desires. We do ask that you keep us in your prayers, though, as we go through the adoption process. James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Jeff and I have been working extremely hard to save our own resources for adoption, but on two teachers' salaries, it's a challenge. To provide us with additional income, Jeff has taught an extra class this year by giving up a planning period, and in March, I will begin teaching an evening class. I also hope to have the opportunity to teach summer school again, but that's based on need and availability. We never want to give anyone the impression that we are sitting idly while we wait on the generosity of others. 

I must admit, at first, I felt a little awkward about fundraising for our adoption. After all, if I was pregnant, I wouldn't expect people to help us with our medical bills. However, after our struggle with infertility and the unspeakable sadness and goes along with that, we knew that if we were to make adoption a reality for us, we would have to swallow our pride and organize a few fundraisers. I also began reaching out to other families who successfully raised the funds to bring their baby home. It seems that this is a very normal and accepted way to tackle the expense of adoption. We also know that if we are truly being called by God to adopt, he will provide for us, even if that means relying on the generosity of others. Jeremiah 29:11 encourages us by saying,"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."

To address some specifics as to where your money will go, I can give a general overview, but each adoption is like a snowflake; it's unique. It's difficult to say exactly what expenses will arise once we begin, but here are some things we know. Once we select an agency and are approved to adopt, we will need to conduct a home study and file background clearances. After we are "matched" with a birthmother, we will begin paying for her expenses. Many people, after first hearing this, think it's weird that we would pay for her medical bills, and in some cases, cost of living expenses. But think of it this way: this woman loves her baby so much that she is willing to give him or her up. Can you imagine? What sacrificial love. So yes, if that special lady wants extra money for better nutrition, you better believe Jeff and I will ensure she is comfortable and healthy while she carries our child. Then, once the baby is born, we will owe the remaining balance. Travel and other unforeseen expenses could also arise during the process. As we get deeper into the adoption process, I can let you know more specifics. 

Again, my intention is to be as transparent as possible. If you ever have any questions, please contact Jeff or I. 

Many Blessings,

Sara & Jeff

How you can pray for us this week:

Please pray as we roll-out our t-shirt fundraiser that we would get a good response. Also, continue praying that we would be led to the agency God would have for us. 

Luke 18:16

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.