As we've mentioned, the process of adopting a child internationally can be a rather expensive ordeal. It has nothing to do with the actual child and the orphanage where they are located. You do not pay funds to be allowed to take a child home or to "pay off" anyone or anything like that. That has been an interesting misconception that I've heard when questions have been asked about this. But there are two different governments to deal with that have a lot of paperwork to process. There is a US run agency that has done extensive work in preparing the way for families like ours. Oh my, I cannot imagine what the process would be like if we were going about it alone and if no other families had come before us to pave the way. There is also an agency in the foreign country that has set similar foundations as we have enjoyed here. There are fees associated with all of this. There are also the travel fees of having to go to eastern Europe twice. To date, we have received $2000 in grants, have raised a few thousand more and have spent our own funds to keep us up to date to this point. We still have around $15,000 or so to raise, including the travel costs. We recently received word from a wonderful organization that we are receiving a $2000 matching grant. God continues to amaze us in how He brings resources and blesses our lives. Lifesong for Orphans has agreed to match up to $2000 in donations received by the end of February. This is where we need to call on help from our friends. I really am uncomfortable with this part of the process because I don't do well in asking for things. We believe we are following God's leading and our family has been blessed because of following His call and we invite you to join with us in this call. We have already been blessed by the support from our friends, both financially and prayerfully, and we cannot begin to tell you how thankful we are. If you have supported us, we sincerely thank you. If you have not, we invite you to do so. Please send donations to the following address and reference in the memo section Stewart #2463 Adoption:
Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40
202 N Ford St
Gridley, IL 61744
Note: In following IRA guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor's suggested use.
These donations are tax deductible and will be matched, up to $2000 for funds received by Feb. 29. We cannot begin to thank you all enough. Many of you have asked how the process has been going. I've heard previously that some people have a hard time when asked about the process. It's kinda like the expectant mother that has gotten to the point to where she is just ready to have the baby and she doesn't want to keep answering questions over and over. Well, I can tell you thus far it has not bothered me at all. When you have something that you are immensely excited about and that you know God is guiding, you just can't help but talk about it. So I say to all of you, ask away and thank you so much for being interested. May God bless each and every one of you and I pray for each of you. Thank you.
Until next time....
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