As many of you know, Aaron and I have wanted to adopt for a long time. God has impressed on our hearts that now is the time and Ethiopia is the country. Our application to an agency was accepted in February and we are now in the thick of paperwork, home study, and preparation.
Gospel Motivation
There are an estimated 4.3 million orphans in Ethiopia. The children are primarily orphaned due to poverty, and live in both government-run and privately established orphanages. There is much tragedy and sadness and a need for families to open their homes to these children. The paperwork we are filling out focuses on motivation, asking “Why do you want to Adopt?”. We love Africa, we love the idea of having a beautiful colorful family, and we love living an exciting story. On a much deeper level we see that adoption is a powerful illustration of the Gospel. God adopted us into His family through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. This is key for us, we are rooting our motivation here. Obligation, duty, guilt, or emotion would never suffice. Out of the overflow of what God has done and continues doing for us, is our motivation for giving ourselves to a child in need.
“We are not the solution to the orphan crisis, the cross is. It is the solution to our crisis.” -Dr. Russell Moore, author of Adopted for Life.
Please be praying with us as we are just beginning in this wonderful journey of adoption. There are many unknowns and obstacles ahead, but as we rely on Christ, we are confident that everything will work out how it supposed to.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long will it take?
There are many variables, so it is tough to say. We have 2-3 months of a paperwork left to do, and then approximately 3-10 months to receive a referral.
Are you trying to adopt a boy or girl?
We decided to leave it open and have it be a surprise. We also are willing to accept siblings so there could be a burst of new Marshalls on the scene.
How much does it cost? How will you get that money?
It is a pretty expensive process $25k-$30K. Currently we are paying for everything out of pocket. Once we get past the home study there are small grants and loans that we can apply for. There are also programs that will match donations of our friends and family, so we will be fundraising soon. At the beginning of this year we were not sure how we would be able to afford this. God has showed up in a big way.
What agency are you working with?
America World Adoption Agency and so far they are doing a stellar job.
What can people be praying for?
- The baby (or babies)
- The mother (she may be pregnant right now)
- Our marriage, our patience, and for a speedy process
- Success in our fundraising
- For God to prepare us to be parents
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
You are the fourth friend of mine that has decided to do this very thing. One friend adopted siblings, one adopted an infant, one is still in the process, and then there is you! Congratulations on starting such an incredible journey. From what I hear, the process is short…less than a year. I will remember you in my prayers
Nicole, what a beautiful family you will make
and one centered in so much love! So let me know when you start fundraising and I suppose we can continue to move money from worthy cause to cause 
the brainwalk raised 50k this year thanks to folks like yourselves 
Agape,
Cyndi