We're traveling down this adoption pathway, and many of you have asked where we are in the process. So we wanted to fill you in on the main points of this journey.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
International Adoption 101
We applied to an adoption agency in May and are in the process of collecting documents to begin our home study. This would include FBI clearances, state criminal checks, medicals, reference letters, marriage and birth certificates, and income information. It's basically a paper chase right now and waiting for government agencies to return the clearances in a timely manner.
The next step will be a home study with a social worker to verify for authorities that we are suitable parents and are going into this adoption with our eyes wide open.
The next step will be a home study with a social worker to verify for authorities that we are suitable parents and are going into this adoption with our eyes wide open.
When our home study is complete, we will then gather documents for our dossier which is then sent to Russia to be translated. The Russian government will send us information on a child in their Baby Home that we can adopt. This is called a "referral". Then comes 3 trips to Russia! Trip 1 is for meeting our little one and signing our intent to adopt her. Trip 2 is for the court process. Trip 3 is for bringing her home!
Finances
Thanks to those who have encouraged our family by buying coffee from our Just Love Coffee Roasters storefront! Don't forget to pass the link along and let your friends know that for every bag of coffee purchased, our family receives $5 toward adoption expenses.
Several dozen sippy cups have also gone out throughout the State and even internationally! We thank you for your willingness and excitement to have a part in bringing our little one home to her forever family.
We are brainstorming other options for raising money. International adoption isn't cheap. But it shouldn't be. It's a perfect picture of our spiritual adoption when we were rebel orphans. Reconciling us with God the Father was costly. It required Jesus Christ to humble Himself by taking on human form so that He could live the perfect life we couldn't live. He died as a substitute for us, and in His death, He absorbed all of God's wrath that was meant for us rebels! But this does not mean that every person automatically becomes a beloved child of God. You have to trust in Christ's finished work of redemption. You cannot continue to try to achieve God's favor in your own strength. You have to admit that you need Him. You need His forgiveness. You are a rebel orphan. You need the Father to adopt you into His family. You are not automatically born into God's family at birth. What a picture! What a cost! What a love!
Several dozen sippy cups have also gone out throughout the State and even internationally! We thank you for your willingness and excitement to have a part in bringing our little one home to her forever family.
We are brainstorming other options for raising money. International adoption isn't cheap. But it shouldn't be. It's a perfect picture of our spiritual adoption when we were rebel orphans. Reconciling us with God the Father was costly. It required Jesus Christ to humble Himself by taking on human form so that He could live the perfect life we couldn't live. He died as a substitute for us, and in His death, He absorbed all of God's wrath that was meant for us rebels! But this does not mean that every person automatically becomes a beloved child of God. You have to trust in Christ's finished work of redemption. You cannot continue to try to achieve God's favor in your own strength. You have to admit that you need Him. You need His forgiveness. You are a rebel orphan. You need the Father to adopt you into His family. You are not automatically born into God's family at birth. What a picture! What a cost! What a love!
The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me
Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You
By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end
Lover of my soul
I want to live for You
by Pat Sczebel
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