I’ve always loved those Indiana Jones trilogies, but one particular scene seemed to be on my mind lately. It was from the “Last Crusade” episode where Indy had to cross a bridge that seemed to be invisible. To continue, he had to take a leap of faith from the “lion’s head”, and to step out on something he couldn’t see would require amazing “faith”. Adoption is much like this scene..take a look..
Since our last update, we started the adoption home study process and we will be finishing our final of three home study meetings this week with our adoption agency. These visits entailed Christie and I answering a lot of questions and our agency social worker taking a look through our house to make sure we had an appropriate home and environment for a child. During our second home study, Christie and I both individually had to share our entire life story with our social worker. It is a weird experience because you don’t get the chance to share your story very often. As I told my story, I fought back tears as I was reminded of how blessed we are to have the parents we do and for all the good memories we created together in our separate families. It was fun to remember and share all of the ways our parents built a solid foundation of Christian values into each of us, and made us excited about getting to pass down those same values with our child someday.
Our final home study is this Friday and will consist of a final home walkthrough and some additional questions. Though this whole process has been a nerving experience to prepare for, our social worker has made the visits very easy and painless. We are really thankful to be working with Bethany Christian Services and are blessed by the support we have received from them.
The next step is for Bethany to complete the analysis of our entire application along with the results of our home studies. If they approve us as an adoptive family, they’ll officially place us on the adoption waiting list. From there, the real waiting begins. Once a mother has decided to place their child up for adoption, she will look through profiles of potential adoptive families like Christie and I, and ultimately pick which couple they have a desire to meet and consider giving their child to. In the meantime, Christie has begun the “nesting” process. We bought a crib and a dresser and she has picked out the material for the nursery linens and bedding. I foresee many late nights of Christie sewing away to get the nursery ready. We’ll post pictures when it’s ready.
We have recently started a fundraising campaign called “Change for a Child”. With our total adoption cost around $30,000 – $40,000, the donations through this campaign will go toward expenses like: home study costs, attorney fees, agency fees and costs to support the birthmother before and after the birth of the baby. If you would like to support our adoption financially, join this campaign by collecting loose change from your pockets, purse, car, anywhere. Save it up over time in your change jar. You can cash in your change and make a donation right here through our blog via PayPal. We recently had someone cash in their change jar and gave us the $75 it was worth. It’s an easy way to give and every little bit helps (a lot). You can’t imagine how much we appreciate the gifts to help us bring our baby home.
We ask you to be praying for our family as we make this journey – pray for the birth mother, our future child, and that our marriage remains strong as we make difficult decisions. “For this child we prayed” 1 Samuel 1:27 is always top of mind and has become our mantra for this journey. God’s timing is perfect and it comforts us to know that he is in control.
With today being Martin Luther King Jr. day, I was reminded of one of my favorite MLK quotes “Faith is taking that first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
Matt & Christie
Matt-I have enjoyed reading your blog and have added your journey to my prayer list. I can’t wait to see h
So blessed to read about your journey!!!
I haven’t looked into private adoptions fees but this seems I know there can’t be a price on having a baby. You probably know this but if you go through Childrens Services the fee is covered. Unless you hire your own attorney there is no fee. Sometimes you can get an adoption subsidy. I’m not sure how it is currently as so money states and counties have had to cut back.
I don’t know if you have not heard positive experiences and that is why you are going private. I am an adoptive mother and no several other families. Yes, they can come with issues but regardless to what you have heard before, all adoptions do. There are many factors concerning that. I take care of a little girl adopted from China. Thereare issues there as well.
Just something to consider. If you have questions or would like any information, feel free to contact me.
I will be praying for y’all as you go through the process of bringing your child home.
Thank you so much Kodi! We just finished the last of our home studies today!!
Praying for you all and adding you to the blog list. We are on the wait for a son from ET. Praying your wait is short and the Lord is faithful to keep your eyes on him throughout.
Thank you Jess! We have friends adopting from ET too. Prayers are with you and your family!
I came over here from Kelly’s page, and I just want you both to know that you are in my prayers. Also, I pray for your wonderful birthmom and your sweet baby. Although you may not yet know her, God does. And He is already forming your baby is His likeness! Many prayers for all of you as God writes your beautiful story.
Matt, my son and daughter in law struggled with infertility for years and being unable to afford IVF, they decided to try “embryo adoption” through Nightlight Christian Adoptions. They went through a very similar process with a case worker, a home study, and background checks, etc. Last summer they adopted 8 frozen embryos via Nightlight’s “Snowflake” embryo adoption program. To be honest, the cost was much less than IVF and even quite a bit less than the fees incurred by a “regular” adoption. They are now expecting twins, and we are all so grateful and excited! I just wanted to throw that out there, in case it was something you had not heard about. It may not be an option for you and your wife, but I just felt like I should mention it. Wishing you all the best in your journey to parenthood!
CONGRATULATIONS!! #rd HS visit down. You will soon be official waiting parents. SHew the wait is not fun. But God will see you through. There may be many ups and downs, but through the journey you will grow closer to God. In the end.. you will be so blessed.
We are now adopting our 6th child (3rd special needs waiting child)we have 3 bio children. Our new son is 5 and waiting in SO. Korea. We would love your prayers as well!
Tracy
Tracy, wow you are a pro at adoption! Thank you so much for visiting our blog and for your prayers. Our prayers are with you as well.
I came from Kelly’s blog – she is such a wonderful person and after reading your page, I just needed to help. I had no idea an adoption cost so much!
Hi! Visiting from Kelly’s Korner and noticed that you are using Bethany Christian Services. My husband and I live around your area and also used them. Our first adoption attempt was at embryo adoption (which I see someone above mentioned) and we were able to take 8 frozen souls and release them into heaven. After 2 frozen embryo transfers we felt led to domestic adoption. We updated our homestudy and were placed on the waiting list in January last year. We were chosen by an amazing birthmother in March and our daughter was born in April! My blog chronicles our entire adoption journey if you’re interested in reading it. Try to enjoy the process and trust God’s perfect timing! Best wishes!
http://www.weareexpectingmiracles.blogspot.com
Ashley,
Wow! You have such a great story and I’m encouraged to read about your adoption. Thank you so much for sharing your blog with us!
Thanks,
Matt
I came over from Kelly’s page. Just wanted to say congratulations on almost being done with your homestudy. The next part is the hardest part of waiting, but with God’s help, your baby will find you.
We went through a few failed matches and finally brought our daughter home from PA. She is now 4 years old. The road was rough and not always easy, but what a incredible blessing God WILL give you and what a blessing you will be to a child someday. Many prayers coming your way from Texas.
Thank you very much Katie!
Hi,
Just came from Kelly’s blog, we adopted our daughter. Please accept our small donation for now.
Blessings to you.
Kimberly,
Thank you very much for visiting our blog and for the donation! You can’t imagine how much we appreciate your support and prayers.
Matt and Christie
Hey, I saw on Kelly’s Korner that you were a fundraising family. I wanted to let you know of a program we are offering to fundraising families through The Sparrow Fund (www.sparrow-fund.org) that allows them to sell items like the ones on our fundraising Etsy site (www.thesparrowfund.etsy.com). If you are interested in learning more about it, feel free to email me and I’ll send the info along!
Kelly
Hi Matt,
I don’t mean to “spam” your blog, but a co-worker of mine passed along your blog to me today. I just wanted to check in to see if you and Christie could use any more fundraising help. If so, please contact me at mlee@coupaide.com. I run CoupAide.com. Check out our latest adoption fundraising campaign at http://www.coupaide.com/lottielee to get a bigger picture of what we do.
Thanks!
Matthew Lee
Dear Matt,
I came across a posting from your cousin, about you and your wife who are looking to adopt. I know the hard road of adoption and what it means, although my husband and I were not blessed to continue our adoption journey, I would like to help a couple complete or get to another step in their journey.
My helping hand would be to help you to fundraise money. I am a Pampered Chef Consultant and Pampered Chef offers creative ways to fundraise for families, charities, churches, groups, etc. There will be some work on your part, but I can tell you that there will be success and between 10 – 15% of the shows sales will go to you! I know, it may sound to good to be true, but it is and I would be happy to talk to you. My phone number is: 484-225-7196. We would be able to make it really easy with the help of the web!
Give me a call, or email if you are interested in my help.
Best wishes.
Cindy Whittenbury