Merry Christmas to you and your family from the Hughes!

First off – I, (Jay), wanted to say a big THANK-YOU to all our family and friends for your support of our adoption.  We stepped out “by faith” on this road of adoption, and we’ve already seen God answer so many prayers; it seems clear that adding two children from Burundi Africa to our current Party of 6 is what He aims to do.  We are excited to be on this journey, with God leading the way.

We’ve had many of you ask us a couple of questions the last few months:  “How much will the adoption cost?” – and – “How can we financially partner with you to help with the up-front costs?”

To the first question: we are estimating our total costs for adopting our two children at $39,000.  Yes, wow, that’s a lot of money.  Our family has personally saved $10,000 so far, and we’ve received over $2,000 in donations from family and friends that we were not expecting at all (THANK YOU SO MUCH).  We also received a $2,000 grant from LifeSong For Orphans, (more on that ministry below).  $39,000 is obviously a lot of money, but we are beyond excited and amazed with how God has financially provided for the adoption so far, and we feel confident He will supply the full amount through future savings, gifts, and grants.

To the second question: To be crazy blunt, Heather and I hate the thought of asking for donations.  Personally, I much prefer to be on the “giving” end of any transaction.  BUT.  I’ve learned that while I thought over the years I was just a “humble giver” – really I’m just a terribly prideful person.  I like to pretend I’m Self Sufficient, and when I’m receiving from anyone (donations, lunch, a cup of coffee), I feel weak and needy.  I’m learning that regardless of our position, we are never Self Sufficient.  Indeed, we are all weak and in need of God to provide all things to us… cf Ps. 35:10 and Luke 12:27-32 as examples).  This blog-post is a huge admission of my weakness.  It’s a step God is asking Heather and me to take, to humble ourselves and allow people that are excited to help to partner with us to make this adoption a reality.

With all of that in mind, we want to let you know that we would be incredibly grateful for your financial support of our adoption, if that is something God is leading you to do.  We are approved to receive donations through LifeSong for Orphans.  LifeSong is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, meaning all donations are fully tax-deductible.  LifeSong has been blessed with a partner that funds all of their Administrative costs, meaning 100% of your gift will go directly to support our adoption!  Many of you may be looking at ways to give before the end of the year and take advantage of the tax deduction; perhaps the Hughes adoption is a need you would prayerfully consider.

Heather and I began looking at our lists of people we know; we have close contact with 300 people, and live life alongside another 500 or more.   Of all those folks, if only 5 people gave $500, 200 gave $100, and another 100 gave $50, we would raise the remainder of our total adoption costs.

If you would like to participate, the process is VERY simple:

1.       Use this LINK to visit the LifeSong for Orphans “Family Donation Page”

2.       Fill in your Donation Amount

3.       Make sure your “Gift Preference” is indicated as ADOPTION FUNDING

4.       Make sure your “Adoption Gift Preference” is indicated as FAMILY SPECIFIC

5.       Under “Family Account Number” please type:  4957

6.       Under “Family Name” please type HUGHES

Thank you so much for your friendship, for prayerfully supporting us through the adoption process, and for considering this giving opportunity.  And please know that if you are not in a position to financially participate, we totally understand.  We humbly ask that all of you pray for our family, and the two children that will soon be added, as this is a new chapter in our life and we desperately need God’s help and direction.  Your Prayers Matter!

Blessings –

Jay