Lifeline Children's Services

Why did we decide on LIFELINE as our agency and T-shirt fundraiser updates.

As Steven and I were praying about which agency to use and we were gathering information and speaking with adoptive families about their thoughts on agencies, we were nervous at first. I am the type of person that puts A LOT of pressure on each and every decision I make. We have been praying for doors to open and close and we have been praying for overwhelming supernatural peace to help us in our decision making. I heard good things about lots of agencies and we were beginning to get a bit nervous. 

A couple of things happened that allowed us to have complete confirmation and strong sense of peace going with Lifeline adoption agency. Lifeline is a Christian based agency and a LARGE part of their application process is about your relationship with the Lord, your spouses relationship with the Lord and how you show Christ in your home environment and in the world around you. Lifeline sees the process as a calling as it should be! 

The final confirmation for us was hearing about a friend and her husband going through a very emotional event in their adoption process where the Country they were adopting from suddenly changed their requirements and it would have eliminated them from moving forward in the process for quite some time. Lifeline fought for their case walking hand in hand with them the entire way. They did not abandon them but they fought for the family and PRAISE be to God they were able to move forward!

We trust Lifeline completely and we are so thankful for what they stand for.

https://lifelinechild.org/what-we-believe/

God's Timing

Steven and I discussed at the beginning of the adoption process that we would take the challenges as they come with an understanding that God knows our daughter and has to keep us on track with her. It is easy to say this and pray this BUT to live this is an entirely different ballgame.

Our home study process that is estimated to take 3 months has taken 5 months for us. For me, God always brings me to a place where I HAVE to relinquish control and learn patience because I like being in control and I do NOT like to be patient. Without going into too much detail, towards the end of our Home study India added a requirement and without completing the requirement you could not progress into the next step of the process.

I am telling you the lengthy process of completing the additional requirement was nothing short of supernatural because outside of the supernatural it made no sense. I tried so hard to force things, push people to act faster, take control....but two Wednesday nights ago our worship team sang "It is well with my soul" and God gently said "Brit, I have got this.. CHILL." I completely stepped back and began to let God take it.

Yesterday and today have been a whirlwind of happy news and excitement. Just as long and drawn out as the home study was these steps took place supernaturally FAST over a two day period.

Yesterday the the final requirement was completed and submitted. This morning we received our finalized home study( A Home Study is both a process and a report.  The Home Study process is a series of interviews and supporting documentation. All documents, including the application, provided or completed by the applicants are a part of the Home Study process. The Home Study report is written by a licensed social worker  and is a summary of all the information gathered during the Home Study process) allowing us to finish applying for grants, mail our immigration paperwork (I800a This is an immigration document in which the parents commit to adopting a child) and move forward in the adoption process.

THEN...about 2 hours later we received word that we have been preregistered on CARA which is the Indian central authority (governing body) that oversees the adoption process in India.   CARA operates under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.  Their offices are located in New Delhi, India. Once registration is complete the estimated wait time for approval from CARA is between 4-6 weeks. Once we are approved our next round of money is due (feeC) then we will be open for MATCHING!

Guys, we could know who our daughter is in the next few months! We are sending off our i800 paperwork for immigration on Monday! Please be in prayer that we would have patience and understand that our daughter has to be ready for us and if that means waiting for months and months that is OK. Also please pray we will use wisdom and God would give us peace and confirmation when we see OUR daughter. Also, pray for Liam and that he will transition wonderfully and we will have wisdom to help him in the transition period.

Now comes lots of blood, sweat and tears...and we are ready! We have applied for grants and we pray for favor in that area but we are putting our hands and minds to work! We are HOSTING a GOLF TOURNAMENT to bring home sissy! The largest portion of funds will be required after we see sissy's face but before we can travel and bring her home. Our golf tournament is May 10th and you can support by entering a team, sponsoring a hole or donating prizes. If you would like to help at the registration table or with set up we would LOVE that as well! Please see slide below for more information and please contact us at Spaine73@gmail.com Britlane23@gmail.com on PM us on facebook.

We LOVE and appreciate you all!