Top 5 Adoption Priorities

The adoption process is tough!  Kristen and I have had to consider so many factors in our decision to adopt.  It is not a simple process and requires patience, communication, and PRIORITIES.  We have created our top five adoption priorities to guide us.  They have helped us decide what we DO want, and have also helped to clarify what it is we DO NOT want.  Here they are:

1.  FIND A TRULY ORPHANED CHILD

• This requires finding an adoption agency that executes adoption practices with unquestionable integrity and is ethically sound
• We prefer a child stay with its biological family if possible with the last option being adoption

2.  OFFER EVERLASTING LOVE TO OUR CHILD with emphasis on:

• Spiritual growth
• Physical development
• Mental discipline
• Character coaching

This is the same commitment we have already made to Nate and C.J.  This love will result in men who are strong in all areas.  The intent is for them to embody these traits after we are gone.  They will be whole-men.

3.  INVOLVE OUR EXTENDED FAMILY & FRIENDS

• Allowing all of you to walk along side us in our journey
• Encourage all of you to be a member of the adopting family (Aunt, Uncle, Brother, Sister...you name it, you've got it!)
• Enables us to embrace your strengths and fill the gaps where we have weaknesses

4.  USE SAVINGS & DONATIONS WITH INTEGRITY

• Raise and save money without incurring debt (Dave Ramsey 101)
• Plan for known and unknown expenses
• Budget all items

5.  ADOPT SPECIFICALLY FROM GHANA, AFRICA

• Honor Rich's legacy
• Live his dream to adopt a Ghanaian child
• Offers a lifelong reminder of Rich's love for others

You can continue to follow our journey here:

Email us at: MakingLifeRICH@gmail.com

Our videos are here:  www.youtube.com/MakingLifeRICH

We stay connected here:  Facebook “Making Life RICH”

Another big THANKS!

Here is another big thanks to our friends who are supporting us in our pursuit to adopt.  As of today, you have helped us raise $2,202.55.  Specifically, Kristen and I would like to thank:

Kenneth Lamine - Whom we are connected to through Renee Lamine

Katherine Cipolla - Whom we are connected to through Renee Lamine

Alexander Barbato, USAF - Co-worker and teammate

Jacquelyn Dantes, USAF - Co-worker and almost a "civilian"  :)

Kristal Bozeman, USAF - Co-worker and fund raising idea-maker

and my brother, Rich....which my mom wrote this on our Facebook page: 

Hey Jason & Kristen, 

    Dad and I have had Rich's last paychecks that he'd gotten from Five Guys in Chattanooga and McDonald's in Mt Juliet. They are a total of $492.55 and we're going to mail you a check for that amount as we are certain that's what Rich would have wanted. We miss him immensely but are uplifted by what's being done in his name and memory. Mom & Dad

Interesting Documentary

As I continue to research Ghana and its people, I find information that is new and interesting.  In the video below, Al Jazeera investigates Ghana's gold industry practices.  I will say upfront that I do not have any background on Ghana's gold industry, therefore, I do not have any type of agenda by posting this on the blog.  The Marine in me....the student in me....the curiosity in me finds these type of documentaries interesting.  I would love to know what you think and whether or not you have any working knowledge of this topic.

You can continue to follow our journey here:

Email us at: MakingLifeRICH@gmail.com

Our videos are here:  www.youtube.com/MakingLifeRICH

We stay connected here:  Facebook “Making Life RICH”