Mar 13, 2012

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:

Our videos are here:  www.youtube.com/MakingLifeRICH
We stay connected here:  Facebook “Making Life RICH”

5 comments:

  1. You do a great job at making clear your priorities! This is looking awesome. You are great parents and will give a great home to a child one day. Let us know when you start making any type of travel arrangements and we'll help with the process as well as tour you around Ghana, possibly even Togo!

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    1. Thanks, Head! Can't wait to see you guys. Hopefully sooner than later!

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  3. Most of these are great priorities for parents in general! Love you J&K.

    Mom

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  4. Hey J and Kristen, Hoping that your interview went well and hoping to hear about it. Know your real busy with work and classes...and home life. Hope you all are well. Give the boys a squish (hug)for us. Love you.

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