beautiful things
/Some of you know that for the past year I have been going through the process of an international adoption - if not, surprise! It has been a crazy journey through the home study and dossier preparation. The home study analyzed every aspect of my life past, present, and future while the dossier included gathering paperwork from all corners of the globe. Both were at times discouraging and frustrating, though all of it pales in comparison to the joyful anticipation I am now experiencing as I wait for a match for a child from South Africa.
Psalm 68:4 says “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation”. Since the passing of Marcus in 2010, I have known fully our Lord’s protection and care for the widow. He has given me abundantly through my family, church, and community, allowing me to experience joy and peace that I never thought possible after Marcus’s death. It is from the abundance I have been given that I will give to my child. Through my suffering, the Lord has opened my eyes and my heart to the suffering of others, specifically children in need of a loving family. The brokenness in this world that caused me to be a widow has caused a child to be without a family. He has placed an urgent desire on my heart to be that child's family. I cannot and will not make them wait.
Throughout history our Lord has used broken people and broken stories to bring about redemption. He truly makes beautiful things from ashes. I am humbled and overwhelmed with joy that he is allowing adoption to be a part of my journey. Thank you for your support and prayers as this process continues.
There have been and will continue to be times that I feel overwhelmed about adopting internationally. One of the most daunting worries is the cost, which can be up to $38,000. This amount includes agency, legal and governmental fees as well as travel expenses.
Here is how you can help:
Prayer: Pray that my child is safe, cared and loved for until I can bring them home. As well that our hearts are prepared for one another; that I will be equipped to raise a child; and for my patience and trust in our Lord’s perfect timing as I wait for a match.
Financial Support: Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help pay the remaining adoption and travel expenses. My home church, Apostles NYC, has paired with Lifesong (www.lifesongfororphans.org) and has graciously given a matching grant to help stimulate the funding to bring my child home. If you would like to be a part, you can send your tax-deductible gift to Lifesong. My fundraising goal date is September 29th, 2014, but Lifesong will continue to receive funds until I return home from South Africa.
Lifesong is a trusted organization administering the funds on my behalf, and will pay adoption expenses out of funds received (please see attached support letter). There are two options to pay via online or mail:
To pay online click on the Donate Button below. Note: PayPal charges an administrative fee (2.9% + $.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.
To pay via mail: Checks should be payable to “Lifesong for Orphans” with “Ewing #4538” adoption in the memo line. Please mail check to:
Lifesong for Orphans
Attn: Ewing/#4538
PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption. NOTE: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use. Individual donations $250 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $250 will gladly be sent upon request. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
Buy coffee through my Just Love Coffee account – It is excellent coffee and for every bag you order they will donate $5 toward my adoption.
Spread the word: Share my blog with your friends, family, and community. Create awareness not only for my adoption needs but for the needs of orphans all over.
Continue checking in for future updates - it's going to be an exciting year.
