Adoption FAQs

We're just barely dipping our toes into our adoption journey, but we've already been getting some of the same questions pretty frequently.  Here's a little Q&A that will hopefully help everyone stay informed!  I know that up to this point, this blog has been a mix of DIY, crafts, family life, frugal tips, etc..... well now you can add adoption to the mix!

1.  Why adopt?  Wow, what a question.  I feel like I could write a dissertation on this subject alone.  I could start with how I've always wanted to adopt, for pretty much as long as I can remember.....or about how when I went to South Africa in college, I came back with a love for Africa that would never fade.  Or maybe how I'm definitely pro-life, and it's time to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak.  What about in the Bible where it says, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you" (James 1:27, NLT).  How about simply, that we as a family feel called to adopt.  It's not a decision we've made lightly.  We recognize it won't always be easy, and it will change our lives and the lives of those around us forever.  We're trusting God will prove Himself faithful in leading and providing for us during this process!

2.  Can't you have any more kids?  Ummm.....we are having more kids.  They just won't look like us.  In all honesty, we have no reason to believe we wouldn't be able to have more biological children.  See #1.

3.  Why Ethiopia?  Again, so many reasons that we are feeling called to Ethiopia.  I am a fan of all adoption (used to work in the foster care system), not just Ethiopia, not just international....but for us, it's where we are headed.  I've seen various statistics that Ethiopia has between 4 and 6 million orphans.  That's a staggering number.  According to World Health Organization Statistics, 1 in 10 Ethiopian children will die before their 5th birthday.  There's a severe drought in Ethiopia right now, the worst they've had in decades, that will likely impact these numbers even more.  You can check out this touching YouTube video for a few more statistics.  There's not one specific reason why we chose Ethiopia ~ it's just in our hearts.

4.  What kind of child are you adopting?  We have requested either a male sibling group between the ages of 0-3 years or a single male child between the ages of 0 - 2 1/2 years.  We have been told a sibling group will be nearly impossible, but we are okay with whatever happens. 

5.  How can we help? 
*PRAY!  Please cover our family and future child(ren) in prayer.  Specific requests at this point would be for fundraising to go well, for paperwork to come in quickly, home studies to go smoothly, and for patience during the long months of waiting. 
*If you feel led to help in another way, our fundraising has begun!  We are going through a great and reputable business, Just Love Coffee.  They sell Fair Trade Coffee in many varieties....ground, whole bean, and even green bean for people who like to roast their own.  For each bag of coffee sold, we will receive $5 towards our adoption!  Thank you for considering supporting us in this way!

More Q&A to come (and there will definitely be some crafty goodness coming up this week too!).  If you have any questions or anything you'd like to learn more about, feel free to leave them in the comments!  Thanks for your support!