We're adopting(woohoo!)...here are a few FAQ'S

Sullivan and I have answered the call to adopt! We are so excited about this new adventure. We would love for you to walk with us during this time.  In effort to save everyone from a long narrative of how God beautifully ordained this process, we are  just going to hit the high points for you all.

If you want to know more about our journey just call us, we would love to tell how God is working in our lives.

Here are what we think would be the frequently asked questions from our friends:

Why are you adopting?
     While Sully and I were dating in East TN,  we discussed future family plans. Both us felt excited about the possibility of adoption one day. We had always thought of it as something we would do after we had our first biological child.  Then is September of this past year, I felt the same call to adopt as I did with Children's Ministry. same.exact.feeling.  We told a few people and asked questions but kinda let it just pass.  God had other plans.  Then in the last 3 weeks it has been clear to us that we need to start the process.

I have always had a weird feeling that I might have trouble having kids biologically. It was not a fear or a worry almost like a peace about it.   I  found out about 3 weeks ago that I have a genetic gene mutation called MTHFR. Google it if you want an explanation =).  If you have MTHFR, it doesn't mean you can't ever have kids but one of the main problems the disease causes are with fertility, tubal pregnancies and stillbirth.  When I found out I had this condition, in a weird way I felt relieved.

As silly as it is, this news made me feel like we had a license to choose adoption first because chances are it could take us a while to have a biological child and there are risks. Most women with MTHFR that do successfully carry to full term with healthy babies usually do so with fertility drugs and treatment. We have decided to not utilize those methods for building our family.

We feel strongly that God wanted adoption to be our first choice and not our plan B but having this condition made me feel like we weren't jumping the gun by adopting.

What kind of child would you like to adopt?
   We would like to adopt an infant from inside the United States.  We don't have any preference of gender or race. We want to be open to whatever child God has for us.

What agency will you use?
  We are applying through Bethany Christian Services.

When will you have a baby?
  So much of that is unknown. The beginning of the process is in our hands with filling out applications and getting finances together for the upfront fees.  After that is processed the time to bring a child home usually is about a year depending on how open to different circumstances you are.

How much will it cost?
  We are looking at about $17,000 when it is all said and done. Most people drive cars that cost more than that.  Everyone told us do not let money be a reason not to adopt so we are excited to see how our Jehovah Jirah will provide in this time.

What does Huiothesia mean? 
  It is the Greek word for adoption.  For pronunciation and definition, click here: huiothesia

How can I help?
  First, please pray. Seriously. We want to be so in tune with the Holy Spirit's leading on this and we ask you to pray for that. Second,  if you feel called to help us bring our baby home you can donate here by clicking the donate button at the top of the page. We also plan to apply for grants upon approval. We are planning to do various fundraisers one of which includes a drawing for an iPad 2!!!

That's all for now. We can't wait to see what God has in store!

love...

Smelly