Rebecca's Joy

Good morning from chilly Detroit! I am in town to visit with my grandparents (95 & 93 yrs. old), and to spend the holidays with my family. My Papa turned 95 years old. I was at his house, Monday, and he asked me when I think we will get a child. Honestly, I have no idea. We plan to have a profile and home study completed by spring, which will give us exposure to the public domains on the internet. 

I have read a little bit about the process of adopting an infant, and here is what I know (which of course, can change, given different circumstances, situations, and God’s providential plans). When we created our list of what we would and wouldn’t consider (gender, ethnicity, exposure to substances, multiples, etc.), it was an agreement that if a birth mother picks us, we would say yes. Making these decisions is raw and vulnerable. It makes you really think about what you can and cannot handle, as well as what is best for both you and your beloved. In summary, you have to be willing to open your heart and mind, but at the same time, be realistic and rational, even when your heart is big. I recommend talking with other adoptive families or listening to the stories of those who have gone through different avenues of adoption (more on this later). It is also helpful to talk with your adoption agency, and to gain perspective on what is both realistic and best for all people involved. 

When I got back from Detroit, Frank had met a lady on Facebook Marketplace, who had sold us a Peter Rabbit nursery set. She had some beautiful items from Pottery Barn, as well as a few little things she slipped in the bag. They exchanged information and she shared a friend’s podcast, which intrigued me. The Adoption Now Podcast by April Fallon has been helpful for me to learn about and be exposed to the various aspects of adopting. This podcast has been a wonderful resource in teaching me how to humbly discern and open my heart to the wonderful stories of God’s grace (note, not all stories have a Biblical worldview, but overall, this is a valuable goldmine of information and learning). 

I am looking forward to January 13th, when our church, Cross & Crown, will be hosting a breakfast burrito fundraiser. We are looking forward to how the Lord will provide through this. If you live local (Colorado Springs), please use this link to sign up or click: https://crosscrownchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2033198.

I believe you may have to sign up for an account to record your burrito preference(s) and reservation. If you prefer another method, please reach out to me. I believe the comments on this post get sent to my email, and we can coordinate from there. 

Finally, Frank and I donated $4,000 of our fees to the Lifetime Foundation. The foundation was established by our adoption agency, and will take $4,000 off our $24,000 we owe, and it will also go directly to supporting birth mothers through educational scholarships, care for basic needs, and provide education to adoptive families. We will be going through these educational opportunities very soon. I am looking forward to learning more and to embrace the challenges and opportunities of adoption. 

Here’s a link to our adoption fundraising website: 

As of December 22, we have raised $6,605. Praise the Lord! Thank you to those of you who have partnered with us through this website. You have provided much encouragement to our hearts, and confidence in continuing to trust that the Lord will provide above and beyond what we could ask or think. 

Thank you for your continued prayers, for inquiring about where we are in the process, and for thinking of us. We cherish your thoughts towards us, and continually thank God for what He is doing in our lives. 

Frank and I want to wish you a “Merry Christmas!” We have been so blessed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. We are also blessed to be able to spend time with loved ones, to connect with those from near and far, and to wish you will be able to find the many blessings amid the busyness of this time of year. 

With love, 

Frank and Rebecca