Well...We're ADOPTING!!!
Now that that's out there let's touch the general basis for why. This is not a second choice for us, as far as we know we can have our "own" kids (no explanation needed). Working with students for the last few years has opened our eyes to the great need that is out there for adoptive parents. This being the case, God has placed a burden on us to come beside a birth mom who is making the bravest choice any mom could make: to trust someone else with their child's life instead of choosing alternatives. We are so excited for this opportunity and we want you to take this journey with us. It's our desire to use this blog as a way for you to track our progress, hear our stories, and cover us in prayer as we take this step of faith. Likewise, this is a totally new world for us. We are taking this process one step at a time and we want to be as informative as possible. Who knows, maybe God will use this blog as a way for you to follow in our footsteps. So in that case we hope you enjoy the quirky stories to come, laugh with us, and enjoy this new adventure. -Grant
The Search Begins
1. Where are you in the process?
We are working with a lawyer who specifically deals with adoptions...Shout out to On Point Legal in Baton Rouge! Our name is on the list and we're officially "Paper Pregnant!" Our house study begins Monday. This where a Social Worker will visit our home, drill us with questions, and basically figure out if there's any reason why we shouldn't adopt! For all those who know Grant Dew, there's a reason right there! Just kidding, you're going to be a great Daddy (wow that sounds weird)!
2. How long before you have a match?
This is hard to say! Generally speaking, a match can be found between 3-18 months. If you're my mother, you've been dreaming that it's closer to 3 months! In that case, Grant's head is spinning!
3. What's a "match"?
A match is what we're looking for! At our attorneys office, when a birthmom is looking for an adoptive couple, she is given 3 profiles. The birthmom is then given time to read about the couples and decide which set of parents she wants to take care of her baby. Once she makes that decision, a match has been made!
4. What's the cost?
Our most recent cost is $1000. This will cover the cost of the Home Study! The next cost is the Attorney Consulting Fee of $1500. This fee gets us 3 months of "special attention" with On Point Legal. Yes, we are on the list now, but paying for consulting will allow our names to be a priority! We've not ventured into paying this as of now. The other costs include attorney, court, and birthmom delivery fees. We're hoping to keep our costs closer to $20,000, but some adoptions can be double that! With all that said, we've got a lot of fundraising to do!
5. Do you have a preference?
Grant and I want a family that resembles heaven, meaning we'll take red and yellow, black and white...After all they're all precious in His sight! We were asked preferences and said we're open to anything, especially bi-racial or African American. We don't mind if it's a boy or girl.
6. How can I help?
First and foremost, we ask that you join us in praying for a healthy birthmom match and wisdom for our search team! We humbly admit that this is waaaaaaaaay too big for us. We need Holy Spirit and you as well with us throughout this process.
If you'd be interested in supporting us financially:
We currently have a GoFundMe account with a goal of $2,500. This will aid with the initial cost of the home study and consulting fees.
gofundme.com/finding-baby-dew
Feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comments section! We're so excited you're on this adventure with us! -Ashlee