Family Friday: Cory & Cindy

We are pleased to share with you adoptive couple Cory and Cindy who adopted their little girl, Svetlana "Lana" Grace from Russian.  Cory and Cindy were awarded with a matching grant from The James Fund (in partnership with Lifesong for Orphans) and it was our joy to partner with them as they brought little Lana into their forever family. Listen in as Cory and Cindy share their hearts... 

Please share a testimony of your adoption experience with Lifesong...

Our adoption experience was very positive from beginning to end.  Lifesong was a huge encouragement both in terms of the matching grant and providing a legitimate, reassuring way for friends to contribute to the adoption with the benefit of their gift being tax-deductible.  The adoption was a team effort compromising so many people and perhaps what has been most rewarding is seeing how many people have felt wholly a part of this process from the beginning.  And of course we love our adopted, girl, Lana.  She is just right for us and our family. 

Can you name one God-thing (God's provision/hand in your adoption) that comes to mind? 

Having to make a third trip to Russia due to a change in the Russian law was a surprise to us and a potential financial burden.  We simply couldn't afford to make a third trip without risking going into debt.  In the few weeks leading up to our third trip and then immediately afterwards, we saw an unexpected $11,000 more come in to help us pay off all of our adoption expenses. 

Adopting the Older Child

Posted on September 23rd by the Tapestry Team,

Adopting the Older Child

In light of the fact that more and more families are considering and pursuing older child adoptions, earlier this year Tapestry hosted an event entitled Adopting the Older Child.

Older child adoption comes with its own unique set of joys and challenges, and this Tapestry event explored both.  In addition, the event focused on helping parents and parents-to-be better understand what to expect, how to respond and where to turn for support and help when it comes to older child adoption."

Read the rest of the article here.

Lifesong will be speaking at the 2009 Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Conference on Saturday, October 24th at Irving Bible Church. Registration is now open...

"Saved" | Nikolas' story

Nikolas (before surgeries)

Have you ever thought about the dangers of the "savior mentality" that san be so prevalent in adoption today?

...because there are so many kids out there who need a home and family. I think we can save one

Often it is a motivation by faith, seeking to love and serve the ‘fatherless’ through adoption. This topic is a sensitive and nuanced one and is ripe for misunderstanding. 

Check out this recent Adoption Today article, that by the telling of a story - the Saynors – may illustrate what it means to truly “save” a child through adoption.

Despite the fact that little Nikolas’ story here on earth ended suddenly and tragically, I think the Saynors’ adoption journey illustrates uniquely well what it means to “save” a child through adoption...be sure to read the excerpt from the eulogy of Nikolas' memorial service - see the reality of God’s adoption of us and how His redemptive love changes everything – our past, our present and our eternal future.

...a little glimpse into what it may mean to be “saved by adoption,” both here and now as well as for eternity.

 Nikolas (after surgeries)