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How to Choose: Open, Semi-open, Closed Adoption
One of the first things you must decide is ... whether you want to choose to pursue open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Your choice depends on the relationship you want to have (and you ultimately want your child to have) with your child's birth family over time. So how…
10 Encouraging Verses for Weary Parents
Let's face it, parenting is hard work. And parenting children with difficult histories can add unique challenges. But what you're doing every day for your child—caring, teaching, loving—is eternally significant work. So parents, here are 10 verses for your encouragement— 1. Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both…
Life as a Single Foster Mom
Foster parenting is good, but hard. Foster parenting as a single parent can be even harder, but it can also be very good. Earlier this year, Jillian Kellenberger—a fellow teammate at The Forgotten Initiative, Lifesong's foster care ministry—stepped out in faith and became a single foster parent. Here's what she…
Is America the Answer to the Orphan Crisis?
Every day, an estimated 5,700 children become orphaned around the world. According to UNICEF, this happens because of war, natural disaster, poverty, disease, stigma, and medical need. Here in the United States—while we don't have traditional orphanages—the number of children in foster care continues to increase. In 2012,…
Good Grief: 7 Ways to See Your Grief as a Gift
Heartache is nearly a pre-requisite on the foster care/adoption journey. You probably know already that no foster care or adoption story is without loss or grief ... and notonlyfor the child. Maybe you've experienced— InfertilityLoss of a dreamDifficult goodbyesMissed milestonesInability to bond Or maybe you have no idea…
Run with Purpose
June 8, 2019. A week from Saturday, orphan advocates and exercise enthusiasts will gather at the Connie Link Amphitheater in Normal, IL, for the annual Safe House Walk/Run to help care for the girls living at the Safe House in Uganda. Due to the civil and social unrest…
Connected to a Bigger Picture
Like you, we love hearing how God provides for waiting children and adoptive families. Where He leads, He provides. We received the following note from a family who received a matching grant and brought their precious little girl home from Nigeria. In Rachel's words— Adoption is much more…
How Much Does Adoption Cost?
Funding is one of the most intimidating yet critical pieces of the adoption process. Discussing the fees associated with adoption services can make us very uncomfortable. Because words matter, it is critical that whenever we discuss adoption funding we do so carefully.Childrendo notcostanything because children should never be…
7 Powerful Quotes from CAFO2019
CAFO2019 Summit just ended in Louisville, KY. Over 2000 people from 100 nations gathered in 1 place for 1 reason: to glorify God by learning better how to love and reach children and families in need. And whether or not you were able to attend, we want you…
Surviving Motherhood: 7 Thoughts from Fellow Moms
Mom, we see you. We know about the fearful thoughts, the unseen tears, and the wordless prayers. We see you, and we praise God for you. Last year a group of 14 fellow adoptive moms from around the country got together to write a book because they want…