The Most Incredible Experience - Curtis & Jesse
January 2019
When we first shared with our community that we were going to adopt, we had a very mixed bag of reactions. Some people were overjoyed and so supportive- they had adopted children or knew someone else who had, and knew just how rewarding and also how challenging it would be. Some were cautious but eventually got on board, others vowed their support but when the time came that we needed help the most, they were nowhere to be found. Sadly, some never really found their way to joining us on this incredible journey. It didn’t matter, though- we were doing this. I can’t stress enough the value of those in our lives who just “got it”. They understood that our choice to adopt meant financial sacrifices in other areas. They understood that we couldn’t predict how much the process would cost start to finish, no matter what our agency estimated. They understood that you can’t possibly place a value on a child, and that we were passionate about building a family through adoption. There were people in our lives who were very critical of our need for money, expecting that if we had chosen this journey, we should have been completely prepared…but few families have all they need to adopt, and adoption isn’t only for the wealthy (and shouldn’t be).
ABBA gets it. They get that costs come out of nowhere and that no matter how hard and long you save, a need can arise. They understand that there is not enough support for adoptive families, and that the process is needlessly expensive when there are children looking for families, and families desperate to be theirs.
It was a comfort and a blessing to know that agencies like ABBA existed and that we had help if and when we needed it. We were so thrilled to be chosen for a grant through ABBA, having already been matched with a birth mother who we fell in love with. The funds we received helped make our family possible and we are so thankful for ABBA. Everyone along our journey who understood what adoption takes made this the most incredible experience and also helped make it possible.
April 2019
Adoption is one of the most amazing experiences in the world. Deciding to adopt was never a plan B for us. Before we were even married, we talked about adopting. It was important to us, we wanted to do it, and we believe as Christians that we are all adopted into God’s family.
Adoption is also incredibly difficult. There is waiting. And paperwork. And saving. And then some more paperwork. There can also be an incredible financial burden to adopt. We decided that we wanted to adopt out of Florida. As we were saving for our adoption, the Canadian dollar was losing so much value. It felt like every dollar we saved was only worth half a dollar, and sometimes it seemed like the rules kept changing on us. Costs stacked up and plans changed- who knew we would end up traveling on Christmas Eve, at one of the most expensive times to be in a destination area?? We are so thankful to the many people who donate to ABBA, so that they are able to give grants to families that are adopting. The timing was perfect on receiving the grant from ABBA. When we first met our son, we were overwhelmed with love and joy. He was perfect. I can’t help but think now about how many families have been stopped by finances when it comes to adoption- how many almost-parents didn’t get to meet their precious child because of costs. It’s too heartbreaking to consider. Our family is forever grateful to ABBA and those who give to this foundation.
