Laying it at His feet... An Adoption Update

Today, Dan and I went down to Phoenix to meet with our adoption agency. I want to say that everything went fine and dandy, but I would be lying.  The meeting itself it went well, good conversation and good information. However, at the end of the meeting, they told us that there was no longer funding for their expense assistance program and we would have to pay the entire amount... Over $30,000. My heart dropped and my mind began to wander, is this the right decision? Is there another option? Why would God make this so difficult? All we want is a baby that we can provide a loving home for.  Is that too much to ask?!  Just as I was being sucked into one of my pity parties Dan reminded me that God is in complete control.  He knows our hearts and has just the right baby for us in his perfect timing. ( God knew I needed a man like Dan in my life, he definitely keeps me accountable!) As we continued home, both of us in deep thought, I said: " We would've paid $30,000 for Peyton."  Dan just replied without hesitation, "We would've paid 10x 30,000 for Peyton." There is no price tag you can put on your children and I am officially laying this adoption at the feet of Jesus.  It is in his hands and I will trust!

With all that being said, I wanted to communicate that we are still 100% open to any other adoption avenues that come our way.  We will continue to move forward with Christian Family Care agency until God shuts the door, but are in no way tied down to just that option.  You never know who might read this or what could happen. We were blessed with Peyton through an amazing circumstance and will not close the doors on any possiblities. Please share our story, because God just might put you in the right place at the right time!

As always, we are extremely grateful for your support and prayers! -Dan, Amy, Caleb & Peyton

Yard Sale Update!

Drum roll please................................... We raised a total of $435! Thank you all who came out to support us and also for those of you who donated items. God is so good! We are just one step closer to bringing our baby home.

The adoption process is a lengthy one to say the least. Aside from working to raise money, Dan and I have had to fill out mountains of paper work, take a marriage assessment and are preparing to take an 8 week class that will help prep us for the adoption (this class starts in July). God has been so faithful and we are enjoying every step of this journey so far.  We have been able to share with so many people about adoption and our faith and it's been incredible.  Because I have been asked so many times about the adoption stages we are going through, I wanted to explain it in a little more depth. In the beginning stages, we will end up paying around $6000 before we even get our name put in the "matchbook." These fees go toward a home study, classes and initial screenings and paperwork.  After we achieve matchbook status :), the birth moms have the option of choosing us for their adoptive match.  This will be a very exciting time in the process; however, in order to make it to that step, we must be prepared to pay between $14,000 and $20,000.  This money will be collected as soon as a baby is placed with us.  In the beginning, this number seemed impossible, but we have faith that God will provide. This summer we will be doing a number of fundraisers along with applying for every adoption grant we can find. We have also set up two different ways for people to donate toward the adoption, found on the right corner of this page. I will continue to update you as we walk through this crazy, fun adventure!

Caleb having way too much fun with the items at the yard sale!