Hi there!

So it's official, our long time dream to adopt has begun! For most people this won't come as too surprising of an announcement, as we have talked about adoption for a long time. Tyler and I discussed it before we got married and have prayed about it ever since. We both have had a deep desire to expand our family through adoption, and we feel God's strong leading that now is the time to jump into this free fall in faith and follow him. Even though it has been on our hearts for ten years, we probably aren't any less intimidated or battling any less fear about the process than those who have adopted before us. Even making this announcement is scary and we fight questions like, what will people think if it doesn't work out? How will we pay for it? Are we announcing it at the right time? But where God leads, He also provides. What God calls us to we will obey Him in, exerting our faith, putting our hearts on the line, and trusting God has our next child at the end of this journey. We don't know what this journey will look like, and that is, perhaps, the scariest part of all apart from the financial commitment. So we ask for your prayers first and foremost. For the birth mother, for provision of finances, for protection against a failed match, and unity for Tyler and I in the decisions we will need to make. We are beyond grateful for your encouragement, support, prayers and any donations you feel led to make. It truly does take a village and we are so blessed by ours!

Below are some answers to questions you may have!

Do Marlee and Eliza know?

Yes, Marlee has a basic understanding of what adoption is, how long it may take, and that we have started the process. Eliza was distracted by something shiny.

Who are you adopting with?

Faithful Adoption Consultants.

How much will it cost?

FAC (Faithful Adoption Consultants) suggests between $38,000 - $50,000.

Do you know the gender or race?

No, we didn't put any restrictions on our application.

Will it be an international or domestic adoption?

It will be a domestic newborn.

How long will it take?

While adoption with an adoption agency or lawyer can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, FAC usually matches adoptive parents, on average, 2 to 4 months after the home study and paperwork is completed. The say it takes about 3 months to complete the paperwork. So it could be any time after about February. But our child will come at just the right time and only God knows when that will be.  

 What is a match?

Soon we will start working on our family's book. This book will contain a lot of pictures of our family, the area we live and our story etc. They give these books to the birth mother who looks through them and chooses the family for her baby. That is a match.

What is a failed match?

A failed match occurs after we have been matched with a birth mother, and in the hours right before or after delivery she decides to keep her baby and raise the baby herself.