We purposely told very few people about our decision to adopt from China when we started the process in August 2006. Perhaps for selfish reasons, but based on the desire to not have to constantly answer the well intended but too often asked, “have you heard anything yet?” When the process extended to six years, I have to say that we were often glad we made that decision. The few who have known from early on have been a steadfast in their emotional support to us. We have had a core group of people willing to take time out of their very busy schedules to serve as references for two different homestudies and/or for numerous adoption grant applications. As we have recently shared our exciting news with more people just over the last few months, we are amazed at the overwhelmingly positive reactions and kind and loving words about our decision to move forward with an older waiting child with special needs even though these folks well know that we are not in the best place financially. All of these words of encouragement have bolstered us as we climbed the last tedious steps and dealt with reoccurring doubts that we are doing the right thing at this time in our lives. In addition, the outpouring of true excitement and kindness has given us the same joyful moments that others expecting a baby regularly enjoy.
When entering the China adoption process in 2006, the expense of the adoption was significant, but one we were confident that we could manage. Since then, with our dramatically changed circumstances the total expenses became a much greater financial burden for us to face. Of the $28,422 to $30,497 estimated total adoption costs, we had paid almost $12,000 and as of this summer the additional $16,379 to $18,454 required to finalize the adoption (not counting any accompanying medical related expenses for clubfeet treatment) was staring us down.
THEN GOD MOVED IN A BIG WAY!
Of the six adoption grants we applied for this spring, we were awarded a total of $11,500 by three organizations including: Topeka Community Foundation Building Families Fund, Show Hope, and JSC Foundation. Then unplanned gifts came from our families. Next a totally unexpected gift was presented to us by friends who wanted to share an unexpected blessing they received. Recently more money came in from family members. In just a few months, the huge financial obstacle we faced to finalize the adoption was more than completely covered by the extreme kindness and generosity of others. Each of these gifts came from people who work very hard and could have easily used the money for something they needed or even wanted, but they instead made the choice to give their own money to help bring a physically disabled girl that they have never met home. This is a perfect picture of God’s abundant grace and blessings that He showers us with - even though we are so undeserving. He gives us all that we need and more!
Of the six adoption grants we applied for this spring, we were awarded a total of $11,500 by three organizations including: Topeka Community Foundation Building Families Fund, Show Hope, and JSC Foundation. Then unplanned gifts came from our families. Next a totally unexpected gift was presented to us by friends who wanted to share an unexpected blessing they received. Recently more money came in from family members. In just a few months, the huge financial obstacle we faced to finalize the adoption was more than completely covered by the extreme kindness and generosity of others. Each of these gifts came from people who work very hard and could have easily used the money for something they needed or even wanted, but they instead made the choice to give their own money to help bring a physically disabled girl that they have never met home. This is a perfect picture of God’s abundant grace and blessings that He showers us with - even though we are so undeserving. He gives us all that we need and more!
Watching God so clearly working out each and every detail of His plan for providing Cai Yun a forever family and us a long hoped for child has been an extremely humbling experience. Even though we were very young and poor college students when we got married, we rejected most of the financial help from our parents. Over the years we almost never let our friends pay anything for us. While accepting these generous gifts we have had to realize that that they are not for us, but for helping provide hope and a future to a little girl who would be an outcast in her own country. These gifts are a considerable blessing to us and Cai Yun, our special waiting child in China, helping us not just clear but soar over the last financial hurdles we face as we travel to China on August 22nd.
These unplanned and unexpected acts and words of sweetness, kindness, generosity of time and money from strangers, families and friends, all ultimately from God, are helping pull Cai Yun out of the darkness and into the light.
These unplanned and unexpected acts and words of sweetness, kindness, generosity of time and money from strangers, families and friends, all ultimately from God, are helping pull Cai Yun out of the darkness and into the light.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20 NIV)
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20 NIV)
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