We truly believe that not every family is called to adopt but that every one who claims to love Jesus should be doing something to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Before you let your blood pressure start to rise or start typing an argument, let me assure you that the possible ways to impact orphans and vulnerable children are endless and probably include stuff you are already doing.
In fact, one great way to care for orphans and widows is to love on a family who is actually called to adoption. Adoption is not an easy calling and is virtually impossible without the support of community.
We are super blessed to have the best friends and family ever who are already asking what they can do.
Here goes:
- Pray. I know this may sound cliche and trivial to some, but we believe with all our hearts that this is the number ONE way for folks (those we know in real life and those who just stumble across our story) to support us. We are certain that our obedience makes us targets of the Enemy and covet your prayers of protection around our family.
- Take the Grocery Challenge. As we read about the trials our kids have endured, we are constantly reminded how blessed we are–simple things like a full pantry. If you’re like us, you probably don’t even know what’s in the back because it’s so full. Enter the Grocery Challenge. In the spirit of the Lenten Season, we are challenging you to go a week without buying groceries (with the exception of milk and fresh produce). Explore that pantry and get creative! Can you go two weeks?? My mom recently took inventory of her freezer and found 18 meals! As you cook from the abundance of your pantry, get motivated to make a difference in someone’s life who isn’t as blessed. We are called to adopt, but what are you called to do?
I’ll be honest, I’m the most excited about this part–using our story to challenge others to be obedient. I’d love to hear from you. What new recipes did you create from a can of tuna and some renegade pasta sauce? Who did your family decide to impact as a result of taking the Challenge? - Give financially. It’s no secret that adoption (intercountry adoptions in particular) are financially costly. If you feel that your part of our adventure is financial, we will be super blessed by your contribution. Fortunately our agency has an Eternal Family Program that can handle our donations.
If you want to write a check, use this form. (We recommend leaving the memo line blank for tax purposes.)
If you want to donate via credit care, you can do that here. Before to designate it a Eternal Family donation with our last name in the Notes section.
Talk to an accountant to be sure, but all donations should be tax deductible. - Get click happy. This is pretty silly but each time you click one of those obnoxious ads at the top or right of the blog, we are blessed (read: get money). You can also come here to do your Amazon searches. There’s a search box on the right near the bottom that looks like this:
Other ways we anticipate needing some love as we move further in the process:
- Donations. We will have a chance to collect donations for the orphanages in Ethiopia that work with our agency.
- Sibling love. Any way you can bless our current children through the adjustment with playdates, prayers, and notes of encouragement would also bless us.
- Food. We will never turn food away.
I’m sure there are others that I can’t think of right now, so stay tuned!