Rebecca's Joy

Good evening, dear reader! Today, we celebrate the joy of Thanksgiving. Frank and I have much to be thankful for. We have been reminded time and time again this year about what truly matters. Faith and family. 

Two weeks ago, we both came down with a virus, which, though unpleasant, was a gateway for learning to slow down, to be thankful for healthcare, and to enjoy the reminder that we are blessed to take care of one another. 

I could go on and on regarding the many blessings we can recount, but I believe you came here to read about our adoption journey. 

Many people received a postcard with a QR code indicating that we were announcing our intention to adopt through domestic infant adoption and that we were looking for prayer and financial partnership. I put a lot of details on the website, which you can access here. www.adopttogether.org/families/the-chrisingers Please reach out if you would like to send money via check or another online venue. 

To date, we have had several blessings occur. First, we have saved up some money over the last year, specifically for adoption. Second, we have been given many beautiful gifts in person or through our adoption fundraising website. To date, we believe we have enough to cover our fees with Lifetime Adoption (we put $3,000 down and owe $21,000), and through our fundraiser, we will be moving forward with a home study agency in Denver. Since Lifetime Adoption is located in Florida, and we live in Colorado, we must have two separate agencies to comply with the adoption laws and for continuity in the care of the case. Through this fundraiser, we have raised $5,930. Finally, we will be participating in a breakfast burrito fundraiser through a dear couple in our church, who are hosting this fantastic event on January 13th. 

We are looking forward to starting our home study and profile around the same time in January. Our adoption and home study agencies have indicated that each process will take two to three months. Lifetime Adoption will ask us to create a profile with pictures, an excerpt about ourselves, and a 2-minute video. The home study agency will ask different requirements of us, looking at all aspects of our situation to determine that we are eligible to care for and meet the needs of a child in our home. I know there are parts in this that we will learn as we pursue adoption. 

What do we still need to pay for? We will be paying for the birth mother’s

fees (up to $10,000), legal fees (varies by state and situation, but approximately $8,000-12,000), travel expenses, and any incidentals that come up along the way. I will be looking into grants once our home study is complete. 

A lot of people have asked if we are excited! Enthusiastically, yes, we are excited about the prospect of adoption, but also reserved in our level of excitement at this point. We know that an adoption could take up to two years to be placed with a birth mother. We are excited to be parents, but we are not there yet and want to be patient and gracious towards one another and to appreciate the journey. 

One point of honest evaluation for me is to remember that I am not where I once was when we started this journey 15 years ago, but I am also not where I want to be. I am still human, with emotions, feelings, and doubts sometimes creeping into my heart. I am continually learning to lean not on my understanding (Proverbs 3:5) but to remember what God has done for me. I also know that our many trials and hardships have been a great gift in our journey. 

We often pray for our birth mother. This adoption, while joyful, will also be very painful. We intend to build a relationship with her and to have her be a part of our child’s life. I can’t help but ponder how such pain for her brings great joy to us. Yet, in choosing us to raise this child, she shows him or her the most amazing love and sacrifice. What a picture of the gospel could be reflected in this story! 

Thank you again for your prayers and support. We cherish your words of encouragement and asking us about our journey. Please don’t be afraid to ask us. Most of the time, we are thrilled to share. 

I’ll update this blog approximately once a month as we progress on this journey. 

The Lord bless you, and keep you, make His face shine upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26. 

With love, 

Rebecca & Frank