We are asking anyone who wants to invest in us as a family to donate to our adoption fund. Our goal is to raise $10.000 as soon as possible. If every Facebook friend gives $5 we will meet our goal.
THE STORY
From the moment Kristin and I met and started dating we have always talked about our future. We always knew someday we would get married (2004), be in ministry together (2006), own a home (2007), start a family (2008), and expand that family through adoption (?).
Adoption may come as a surprise to some, but it has been on our hearts both separate and as a couple. We feel the next step for our family is to pursue the adoption process.
THE PROCESS
This year as Malachi and Canaan grew older we started taking steps to work toward adoption. We saved money and completed an Ohio home study, which includes background checks, a home profile, and a fire inspection among other things. We have worked with an adoption lawyer from our church to begin the process and become eligible through the court system as well.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The next phases are ones that we want to involve our friends, family and support network of people in. We are pursuing a private adoption, so that means we need to connect with an expecting mother who believes that adoption is the best route for her and her baby.
We have always wanted to have a family that reflects God’s creation and diversity and so we are pursuing adopting a black or bi-racial baby. If you or someone you know has a connection to potential birth mother we would love to have her speak with our attorney, see a more expanded family profile, and answer any questions about the process.
John M. Shady
Adoption Lawyer – Columbus, Ohio
(614) 436-5424
The other major way our friends and family can be involved is in the fundraising process. Even after the thousands of dollars we have already invested this year, the remaining costs are estimated around $13,000.
We thought it would be neat to leverage our personal network in the most common way it exists: Facebook. Our idea is to ask all of our Facebook friends to personally donate $5 to our adoption fund. We are also continuing to save our own money and put into this account every month. You may be reading this and not have Facebook, or you may want to give more than $5 and that’s ok too. We just think it will be great to see God use our friends and family who want to invest in a very practical, tangible way.
Donations can be sent to:
Mark and Kristin Artrip
Adoption Fund
1961 Dina Ct.
Powell, OH 43065
*Donations are a private gift and are not tax deductible.
THANKS
Above everything we want to ask for your prayers. We have been warned extensively about the faith walk adoption can be and how easy it is to become overwhelmed or have your hearts broken. We are trusting that God has a child for us in this and are acting in faith on that promise.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and hear our dream. If you have any other questions, or want to contact us personally, we would love to talk more and share our hearts.
Blessings,
Mark, Kristin, Malachi and Canaan Artrip
markartrip(at)gmail.com
markartrip.wordpress.com 
Mark,
Wow, how exciting. We will definitely “ante-up”. I will also keep my ears open. I often run across young couples or young mothers who are caught in a bind. Just last night a couple gave a presentation about the child they were adopting in Ethiopia. We reviewed all the verses from God’s Word about adoption. It definitely reflects the character and passion of God. I know He will do this for you.
Love,
Jim and Lori
Hi,
I found your blog through facebook…Through Lija Stoltzfus. We recently went through an adoption, and God was faithful! I blogged my way through it, which was totally my coping mechanism. Praying for you guys!