The Van Reed Family Adoption
Donation protected
*If you were led here through the memorial of Lynne Pugh, you can read in Update #5 how we knew Lynne and what this adoption meant to her.
Follow our story here , too!
Our adoption journey began in 2015 when Renee started planning a trip to China to visit Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village (SFCV). SFCV is an orphanage that cares for children of all ages with special needs. After visiting for a week in August of 2016, Renee’s heart was forever changed. As a family, we immediately began sponsoring one of SFCV’s children and praying for them on a regular basis.
Knowing Renee’s heart was geared towards adoption, Justin began to research. Together, they read dozens of books, articles, and first-hand accounts of those who had adopted. Meanwhile, Renee started planning a return trip to China. Feeling that he needed to witness this organization and its children for himself, Justin surprised Renee by attaining a passport and announcing he would be joining her on this return trip.
In April 2018 we traveled to SFCV with 11 other team members where we spent a week volunteering on the grounds and visiting with the kids. It was an eye-opening and life-changing experience for everyone, especially us as a couple. We spent the week looking at those children, looking within ourselves, and looking to God to see if we were being called to adopt. By the end of the week, the answer was becoming pretty clear that this was something we had to do. Two weeks after returning from China, we officially decided to move forward with our adoption process!
The long journey is officially underway. As we shared the news with close family and friends, we already felt overwhelmed with love through their excitement and joy on our behalf. And we so appreciate your support during this adventure. Simply reading and taking an interest in our story is humbling. Thank you for being here. We’ll be sure to post updates here along the way.
**GoFundMe's fees are the lowest out there at only 2.9%. However, if you wish to avoid them entirely (or prefer another method of payment) we also have PayPal ([email redacted]) and Venmo (@Renee-VanReed) accounts set up. Checks (made out to Justin and Renee Van Reed) and cash received will be recorded on here with no fee applied.
Thank you again!!
Follow our story here , too!
Our adoption journey began in 2015 when Renee started planning a trip to China to visit Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village (SFCV). SFCV is an orphanage that cares for children of all ages with special needs. After visiting for a week in August of 2016, Renee’s heart was forever changed. As a family, we immediately began sponsoring one of SFCV’s children and praying for them on a regular basis.
Knowing Renee’s heart was geared towards adoption, Justin began to research. Together, they read dozens of books, articles, and first-hand accounts of those who had adopted. Meanwhile, Renee started planning a return trip to China. Feeling that he needed to witness this organization and its children for himself, Justin surprised Renee by attaining a passport and announcing he would be joining her on this return trip.
In April 2018 we traveled to SFCV with 11 other team members where we spent a week volunteering on the grounds and visiting with the kids. It was an eye-opening and life-changing experience for everyone, especially us as a couple. We spent the week looking at those children, looking within ourselves, and looking to God to see if we were being called to adopt. By the end of the week, the answer was becoming pretty clear that this was something we had to do. Two weeks after returning from China, we officially decided to move forward with our adoption process!
The long journey is officially underway. As we shared the news with close family and friends, we already felt overwhelmed with love through their excitement and joy on our behalf. And we so appreciate your support during this adventure. Simply reading and taking an interest in our story is humbling. Thank you for being here. We’ll be sure to post updates here along the way.
**GoFundMe's fees are the lowest out there at only 2.9%. However, if you wish to avoid them entirely (or prefer another method of payment) we also have PayPal ([email redacted]) and Venmo (@Renee-VanReed) accounts set up. Checks (made out to Justin and Renee Van Reed) and cash received will be recorded on here with no fee applied.
Thank you again!!
Organizer
Renee Van Reed
Organizer
Marlton, NJ
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