This isn't a question that we've gotten very often, but it has been raised, and there are probably others who have the same questions. Why would you ask other people to give you financial support?
First, the adoption will cost us about $25,000 by the time all is said and done. Simply put, we don't have $25,000 sitting in a bank account right now. Here is a link to the
fee schedule from our adoption agency. The total cost ($21,330 - $27,530) is written at the bottom of the fee schedule.
Secondly, it has never been our intention or hope that anyone would ever donate or give us support who didn't feel a particular calling or desire to support us in this endeavor. Our prayer and hope has always been that no one would ever feel pressured or guilty about not giving money. Your prayers and emotional support are just as important as your financial support. If someone has felt like they shouldn't give, then I hope he/she never feels an ounce of guilt. Our goal has always been that if someone feels led or called or passionate about being on this journey with us, then one tangible way they could help would be with financial support. The response has been overwhelmingly supportive, and it would be impossible for us to ever thank you all enough for you what you have meant to us.
Thirdly, we posted a lengthy post about how all Christians are called to love, visit, and care for orphans. All people are not called to adopt, but it could be that some are called to support those who are called to adopt. Similarly to providing financial support for someone traveling on a mission trip, our prayer was that this opportunity gave some the opportunity to join us on this mission.
There are some people who might say, "I am just too proud to ask anyone for money for something like this." I've been there, and let me be honest in saying that I have repented of my pride several times during this journey. Some of my thoughts have included: "will people think we're poor?"; "will families sit around their tables at night and talk about us?"; "Do people assume that I make a ton of money because I'm an attorney?"; "Will people talk about how we just bought new lawn chairs?"
Asking people to support us has been one of the most humbling experiences for us.....and that's a good thing. This whole process is so much bigger than just us. This is not about us thinking, "hey, I think it would be fun to adopt." This is not about one couple running off to save an orphan. This is about the entire body of Christ (the Church) coming together to live out our mandate to care for orphans.
It makes me think about the first Christians in Acts:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Acts 4:32-35
We really cannot
express how thankful and overwhelmed we are by the
generosity of all of you right now. For us, it has been a modern-day expression of sharing what you have to help us bring home our child. We pray that we will be the same givers and sharers when you call on us.
