We were so blessed to be able to work with the organization Lifesong for Orphans during Haven's adoption. They are an orphan care organization who not only supports adoptive families, but orphans around the world by providing child sponsorship and in-country programs to provide food, shelter, education, and Christian discipleship and training. Through their grant matching program, we were able to raise over $4000 toward our adoption expenses. It was a huge blessing and the staff was wonderful to work with! When they emailed and asked if I would be interested in becoming a Lifesong Blogger, I, of course said yes and was excited to help promote their wonderful organization.
For the last couple months I have received dozens of emails from people who have questions about the adoption process and fundraising. I love helping others through the process and have been planning to do a series of posts about adoption, fundraisers, agencies, waiting, ect. So, when Lifesong emailed and said their new series of posts would be about helping to equip and encourage prospective adoptive families I thought, YES - they're doing the work for me ;)
3 Ways to Prepare for the Adoption Journey
Adoption is a journey.
Like any journey, it's appropriate to think ahead, to plan and to prepare for what is come. Along the way we'll realize that it isn't
all what we may have thought or expected. There are unplanned events and struggles, along with unexpected joys and surprises.
Join us as we walk down a few different paths of the adoption journey and discuss some key resources as you look ahead in preparation of bringing a child into your forever family.
Many of you may have already walked this journey. Some of seen friends or close family struggle through the path. Maybe you are just starting to "pack your bag" for your first adoption. No matter the traveler or the progress, here are a few helpful tidbits for anyone who is considering adoption (for the first, second or third time!).
3 Ways to Prepare for the Journey...
- Pray. Fast. Read. Most importantly, seek God's direction and plan for your family. Spend significant time praying, fasting and reading His Word together for guidance, wisdom and peace. God does not call everyone to adopt, but He may be calling your family to be involved in caring for the orphan in some way. Sit and listen to the Father, He will prepare your feet for the path He has for you (Psalm 18:33).
- Educate Yourself (With Trusted Materials). With some of the best Christian material on adoption, Empowered to Connect provides books, videos, trainings and other resources to help foster and adoptive families parent children from hard places. Prepare and receive realistic expectations ahead of time by reading books like The Connected Child or attending an Empowered to Connect Conference. See resources & upcoming Empowered to Connect Conferences >>
- Take a Pre-Adoption Assessment. Striving to make the adoption process less complicated and overwhelming, our friends at Loving Shepherd Ministries have helped guide over 6,000 couples in their early stages of adoption. Through their Adoption Assessment Form, their staff gives your family adoption options you are eligible to pursue, along with lists of agencies, home study providers in your area and more! Best yet, they offer this as a free service to prospective adoptive families. Learn more & fill out their Adoption Assessment Form today >>
There is wisdom in preparation, but don't forget to keep in mind that we have a Father who knows the
beginning and the
end. An Almighty God who is writing and arranging your family's story behind the scenes. When things don't make sense, wait on Him. His way is always best!
