It feels so good (and a little scary!) to tell everybody about a decision that has been a long time coming for us. We are eager to be parents and we trust that God will lead us through this journey.  We know that God had lain this big decision on our hearts, and are going to trust Him despite what our fears might be. 

From a very early age, Jeny was diagnosed with endometriosis.  She has had more than one surgery to try and lessen the symptoms and hopefully, be able to have children.  In 2012, a doctor told her that the chances of conceiving would be very difficult if not impossible because her endometriosis had advanced so severely.  We knew from the beginning of our relationship that having a baby was going to be next to impossible, but we feel, that rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars on fertility treatments, we could put that money towards adopting a child who is in a desperate need of a loving family. 

As some of you may know, adoption is something very close to home for us.  We have several relatives and friends who have been adopted, and can clearly see the benefits and rewards through their lives.  We hope to bring the same love and belonging to a child in need. 

 

In 2014, adoption overwhelmingly landed in both our hearts. Unfortunately, we were unable to pursue adoption at that time due to major roadblocks and the fact that Jeny was offered a position in Japan.  We had to put adoption on hold.  Our original plan was to adopt once we returned to the states, but for the past year, we have been constantly reminded of children that need a home.  To us, it is undeniable that this is what our path is supposed to be. Making this decision together has been one of the best things for our relationship as it is causing us to grow closer daily. 

 

They say it takes a village to raise a child (or in our case, adopt) and this is an understatement. We are going to need the support of our friends and family!  According to Hank Fortner, Founder of Adopt Together, only 2% of couples that look into adoption follow through because of the financial burden. We do not want the financial struggle of adoption keeping us from expanding our family. 

We do not know who the child is yet. We are adopting from Japan. What we do know is this: 

They have never known the warm and loving embrace of a mother, or the joy of a piggyback ride from a father. They do not know what it feels like to be tucked in and kissed goodnight, warm and safe in a caring home. They have yet to receive full medical attention, proper, nutritious food, a childhood that allows them to be a child, and an environment where they can thrive, flourish, and reach their full potential. They need a loving family the most.  

 

You can help provide this for that child. 

 

We cannot wait to bring a child home, to hold that child in our arms, and always provide a hand for them to hold as they grow. No words can capture the true joy and excitement we feel as we anticipate the blessing of the presence of a child in our home. 

 

We would like to invite you to be a part of our adoption.  Firstly, please keep us in your prayers. This is going to be a long and difficult journey.  Secondly, by giving financially. When you give financially, you become emotionally invested. We have two fundraising goals, the first is to create a community of friends, family, and neighbors, locally and globally, who are ready and excited to welcome our child into their lives as our son or daughter. The second goal is $20,000 to bring that child home. 

 

You can give that child a family. 

 

We trust that God will provide the funds needed to complete this adoption. One way may be through people like you. With this in mind, we ask that you ask God if He would like you to give and be part of our team.  Please pray with faith that God would move mountains to bring our child home to us. 

 

You can make a donation right now.   

 

We are doing a puzzle piece fundraiser.  What is a puzzle piece fundraiser you ask?  Well, it is a type of sponsorship.  We will be selling pieces of our puzzle for $20 a piece.  You can purchase 1 piece, 2 pieces, or 10 pieces!  It really is up to you.  If you would like to participate in the fundraiser, leave a comment with your donation and we will write your name on the number of pieces you have sponsored.  Our puzzle is 500 pieces.  Which means, if we sell the whole puzzle, we will have raised $10,000!  I have created a design to use for our puzzle.  Please see the added photos in our gallery if you would like to see what it will look like.  I will use the names as part of the design.  I will frame it, and keep it forever in either the child's room or another room where it can be seen everyday.  I can picture us sitting down with our child and reading the names all white explaining that those names are all from the wonderful people who have supported us in bringing that child home.  That thought is truly wonderful. The money that we raise from this fundraiser will go towards both our home study fees, as well as the travel expenses of our social workers.   Any extra funds will go towards any other program maintenance fees and placement fees that we will incur. 

 

We are also selling T-shirts that were designed by Jeny and her sister. (Currently the fundraiser has ended, but if you wish to buy please go to the link and click "I want to buy one" and it will notify me to reopen the campaign. )  By purchasing a T-shirt, 100% of the proceeds go directly towards their adoption expenses. By wearing this shirt, you are also helping to spread the word about our campaign while also showing your support of our cause.  There are 6 styles and lots of colors to choose from, with an array of sizes.  Perfect for any person!  You can purchase and browse the T-shirt options here. 

 

It is humbling to reach out and ask for help. We want you to know that we are grateful to everyone who is supporting us in any way at all. 

 

Last, please share this page! We hope that our story can help raise awareness and shine a light on the adoption community.  

 

Can we count on you to stand behind us as we move forward with this adoption?  

 

Please consider a gift this season to help make a dream come true. 

 

Please contact us if you have any questions, need alternative methods of contribution, or would just like to chat. We would absolutely love to hear from you! 

 

Thank you for taking the time to let us share our journey with you. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

You can email Jeny at: [email protected] 

You can email Josh at: [email protected] 

 

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'– Matthew 25:40b