I have to admit that I don't know anything about writing a blog. But, we want family and friends to be able to follow us throughout this wonderful journey. We are very excited to announce that we have started the process of adoption. We are writing this first blog to explain why we think adoption is important, why we have decided to start the process at this time and where we are in the process.
We both had a burden for adoption long before we even met. In fact, it was a deciding factor in us getting married. Even before we were married, we started praying together that God would prepare us for adoption and use us in an adoption ministry. We believe that all Christians are commanded to take care of orphans. In James 1:27, God says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…" This is a great time of distress for orphans around the world. What better way is there to take care of orphans than to give them a home and a loving family? There are an estimated 153 million orphaned children worldwide. Approximately 80 million Americans have thought about adopting. Less than 2% of them ever begin the process. And, because of the high cost, just 1% of those Americans actually complete the adoption process. International adoptions usually cost around $30,000 or more. There is a critical need to connect generous givers with willing families, so that orphans can have a loving home. Our future goal is to start a grant/charity to bridge the gap and help more families complete their dream of adoption.
In our original family plan, we were going to physically have one or two children first, and then adopt. What followed was two and a half years of tears, frustration and confusion about not being able to conceive. After much prayer and seeking of the Lord's guidance, we felt God's leading in our lives to pursue adoption. There is a peace that has come over us since we have decided that God's plan is better than ours. We may still be able to have biological children and plan on looking into that in the future. However, right now, even though we don't know them yet, we believe that there is an orphaned child somewhere that God is watching over for us until we can complete the process and bring them home.
After more prayer and research, we have decided to contract with "All God's Children International" (AGCI). AGCI is a Christian nonprofit organization that is committed to adoption, orphan care, and mission outreach. Since 1991, they have united more than 2,200 children with their forever families. (Visit www.allGodschildren.org for more information.) We completed our application on our 3rd wedding anniversary as a gift to each other, and were approved to adopt children up to age 6 from Bulgaria. We would like to be matched with siblings, but are excited for whatever God has for us. We are now preparing for our home study, which is the next step in our contract.
Financial Aspect:
The cost to adopt from Bulgaria is approximately $33,000. It will be about another $11,000 if we are matched with siblings. We have been saving for about a year and plan to continue putting money aside weekly for our adoption fund. We are also planning fundraisers for the adoption. We are doing a "Pampered Chef" fundraiser through our friend Ruth Stanfield. All the proceeds will go straight to AGCI on our behalf. We also have a big yard sale planned for the beginning of October. We have more ideas but nothing planned yet. If you have any fundraising ideas, we are open to any suggestions. In addition, Kathy has adoption reimbursement benefits through her job. And Justin has contacted his employers with information from the "Dave Thomas Foundation" about starting an adoption benefit at his job. We will also be applying for grants once we finish our home study. The most important thing that you can do for us right now is pray. We need prayer for wisdom, guidance, patience and financial provision. If you have a heart for adoption and are interested in giving financial support, we would like for you to pray about it first. We will update you on how you can give if you feel led. We are also working on a way for your gift to be tax-deductible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope that we can encourage others with our story. We have definitely been encourage and inspired by other couples who have taken this same journey. We will try to update our blog on a bi-weekly basis.
We want to thank everyone for your prayer and support during this exciting time in our lives. We would love to hear from you with any questions, ideas, or just a word of encouragement. This process can be very long and trying, so it is great to know that our family and friends are supporting us and praying for us.
God Bless,
Justin & Kathy Hansen
These are some of the verses that have touched our hearts and motivated us so far in the adoption:
© “He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Ephesians 1:5
© “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
I John 3:17-18
© “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27
© “Blessed is he who considers the poor.” Psalm 41:1
