We are fully funded.
We are fully funded!!
Every penny of the $32,000 that we needed to fund Zachary's adoption has been provided. It blows us away and we cannot even begin to describe how thankful we are.
When we started this journey over a year ago, finances loomed in front of us in such a way that we had no idea how this adoption would be paid for.
We sold our van. We stopped going out to eat except for on special occasions and usually with gift cards or coupons earned through surveys I take at home. We have seriously bought practically nothing except food, gas, birthday/christmas presents, and a few essentials for Zachary (at sale prices and significantly reduced!). It's been a test, and we've saved quite a bit, but not nearly enough to begin to scale the mountain of finances that this adoption required.
So we asked God to move the mountain.
When we committed to Zachary back in November of last year, we got on our knees and asked God to move the mountain of finances if he wanted us to do this.
And our God, who is able to do anundanty more than we could ever ask or imagine, did.
God moved those mountains- he threw them into the sea and said nothing is impossible for him! Silly to doubt it now... that the God of the universe, who supplies all our needs according to his riches, could take care of a few tens of thousands of dollars...just a drop in his bucket.
People gave. Our friends and families emptied their pockets and gave sacrificially, out of love. It was so extravagant it brought us to our knees. I want you to know that we don't take this for granted. Josh and I have praised and thanked God, through tears of gratefulness, for the extravagance of your giving and love.
Some amounts were so large it was pretty much incomprehensible.
Some amounts were given from hearts and pockets that were already struggling and nearly empty.
Some were provided by complete strangers.
Some items were generously donated and provided when we needed them most.
All were given out of love for our family, for our sweet son in China who desperately needs his family, and for a God who is good and faithful and holy.
Thank you. We are thankful for every one of you.
Our yard sale was incredible. Such hard work, but we've never felt more loved by our church and friends. God's hand was clearly guiding it, and we raised an incredible amount of money that helped us get closer to our goal.
Our family matched our Lifesong grant before I could even ask people to help give.
And then the news that Foundation and (Steven Curtis Chapman's organization) were blessing us with adoption assistance grants. In total, all of these grants combined to over $13,000. We can never thank these organizations enough. Their heart for orphans has changed our lives and Zachary's life.
Incredible God, you have blown us away every step of this journey. Thank you, thank you for your provision.
We are fully funded guys! All of our agency, government, and travel expenses are covered. We are even going to be traveling during Trade Fair- the most expensive time for travel and hotels in China (~2,-3k more expensive), and we think we will have just enough to cover it all. We'll know for sure in 3-4 weeks when we hopefully have travel approval!!
So, this is our fantastic news. We want to say thank you for all your financial and prayer support. We are completely humbled and honored to be stewards of your gifts to us, and we can't wait to bring this little boy home.
Please, if you've ever considered adoption, felt the tug of the Holy Spirit on your heart for the life of an orphan or child in foster care, take a step forward. The finances will not stop you. God is bigger! I hope our story is a testimony to the unfailing love and resources of God. Trust in Him and ask him to move mountains.
No comments:
Post a Comment