Stone's Adoption Journey

In March, we wrote this down on an index card: 

"God show us a birth mom or child in need of a family."

This became our "impossible prayer" that we prayed for months. 

In June,  we received a Facebook message, totally random, asking if we would consider adopting a child who was currently in foster care, but would be "legally free" (orphaned) within weeks.

Immediately, we knew we had to pursue this little girl. This is what we had been praying for.

In order to apply to adopt this little girl, we would have to get our home study finished and complete a lot of training through the state of Oregon. The pieces didn't fall together at first, but at the end of August, God flung open the doors. We completed a home study and all of our trainings within three weeks, just enough time to apply for this little girl, before her posting expired. We thought for sure God was opening up this door. 

But He didn't, and we may never know why.

In this window of time, we also applied to adopt a little boy who came across our radar. We were chosen as one of the top 5 families being considered, but didn't make it any further than that. Again, God closed the door. 

With these answers and some new questions, we sat down at our agency to talk through some thoughts and options.  

After talking with the director of our agency and spending some time praying about the next step, we  have decided to pursue another local infant adoption, while also keeping the door open to a state adoption.  

As far as where we are at today in the process, we are simply waiting to be chosen. 

I've often told people, that we were made for this. We all have different callings and passions and this is one of ours. Our heart aches for babies that need homes and birth-parents that are faced with heartbreaking, difficult decisions. 

Lastly, we want to share a few opportunities to partner with us. As most of you know, adoption is expensive. This adoption will cost about 25,000. It is an overwhelming amount of money, but we have to believe that God will give us wisdom and funds. There are three ways that you can practically help:

1. We did start a go-fund me campaign in which you can donate directly to our adoption. Please don't feel ANY pressure. It is just one of the easiest and most practical ways that we can gather funds right now. 

2. We also appreciate your support and referrals to Kimberly's photography business . This is how we funded most of Parker's adoption and it's how we hope to help pay for this one.

3. Mostly, you can pray for us. We believe with all of our hearts that God is in this and we cannot wait to see what miracles will unfold. Please pray that He continues to give us courage, patience and provision.

Thank you for all your support and love. It's so amazing to partner with God in the things He is doing. He is good.

We love you!
Kenny, Kimberly and Parker