Why Adoption and What Do You Have To Do With It?

Hello everyone. I am Valerie’s sister-in-law and I am taking over her blog for a moment (with her approval, of course)
I think there are a lot of people who are following this blog to find out what will happen with this adoption. Some may have been through it themselves or know someone who has. Some, on the other hand, may be having a hard time understanding the process. And by process, I don’t mean the paperwork, legalities and such. I mean the process of how someone chooses or decides to adopt.
Here is my take on it: Adoption is much more than just a choice a couple makes. For believers, like Aaron and Valerie, this was a calling from God. God has been pressing adoption on Valerie’s heart for many, many years now. I remember when they were dating and I was just in high school. She talked about it way back then. When I think back to that time, I also remember something very interesting:
It was cheerleading tryouts. Valerie was a Junior and I was just a little 7th grader. She hadn’t started dating my brother yet so I didn’t know who she was. I was new in town. And out of nowhere, this big-time, really cool varsity cheerleader came and talked to me. Taked to me, the new girl! She was so warm and welcoming and made me feel right at home in this new town. That really is one of her unique gifts.
Let me tell you, this “calling” from God is no cake-walk. This has been a challenging and heart-wrenching process for Aaron and Valerie. So why would someone choose to do something that is so challenging? Why take all the risks and have all the unknowns? The bottom line is this: God called them and they have obediently answered. They have looked beyond themselves and decided to bring a child into their family who would not otherwise have the chance for a safe,loving home. God gave Valerie the gift of hospitality and we all know Aaron has the gift of humor. Together they are using their gifts to welcome this precious little girl into their home, their family and their hearts.
Now, how do you and I fit into this equation? And why would you want to fit into this equation? Well, not only has this been challenging emotionally, but this process is a huge financial commitment. How does a family who lives a humble life move forward with a call from God when they don’t necessarily have the funds to cover it? What they do, is they continue to trust that God will provide the funds. But how does God provide the tangible funds? He does that through his people. He tugs just a little on their hearts. He gets them to consider what a difference their little contribution could make in life of tiny little girl just waiting for her forever family. He does it through those who are willing to give a little of themselves to support something bigger.
If you feel like God is tugging at your heart-strings to donate to this family’s adoption, there is a special fund set up at their local bank.
Send a check to:
Choice Financial Group
Attn: Eddie
210 Sheyenne St.
West Fargo, ND 58078
Write: Stevenson Adoption Fund on the memo line of the check.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this. Thank you for considering being a part of this beautiful story.
Sincerely, Shannon