This post is part of Lifesong's Adoption Journey Series. See previous post, "Adoption: 3 Ways to Prepare for the Journey" here.

While nearly two in five practicing Christians have considered adoption, only 5% have actually done it.* What keeps people from growing their families through adoption?

One of the biggest barriers to adoption is the cost. Depending on the circumstances, adoption can cost up to $50,000! It makes sense why many families who have a heart for vulnerable children, look at adoption as something they desire, but is just too hard to grasp because of the high costs.

There are families who have seen God perform miracles as they have stepped out in faithfulness to follow His call for their family...if it's His will, it's His bill. He will make a way to show Himself as THE Provider of all things. Don't let money stand in the way, when He has provided many avenues for families to bridge that financial gap.

Here are few tips and resources for funding an adoption...

1. Save & sacrifice. It's never too early to start saving for adoption. Try to cut back your budget to set a portion of money aside each month to pay for some of the initial adoption costs, like home study and application fees. Make sacrifices as God moves you, maybe that's postponing a big purchase or selling some of your possessions.
2. Learn from others. In her must-read book, Adopting Without Debt, Julie Gumm shares how to find extra money in your household budget, apply for grants, and fundraise in order to build your family without saddling it with debt. 
3. Apply for Adoption Grants & Loans. Research and apply for national, state, and local adoption grants. A few favorites we direct families to are our friends at Show Hope & Abba Fund. See Resource Report for more grants & loans available and don't forget to check out our adoption grant & loan page.
4. Think outside the box. The fundraising creativity of adoptive families continues to grow. Check out organizations like Both Hands, who help families fundraise for adoption while doing a service project for a widow. Other groups like 147 Million Orphans & MudLOVE provide jewelry, t-shirts, and other products you can use towards fundraising. 
5. Don't be afraid to ask. Maybe the word "fundraise" and the thought of asking people for money makes you nervous. WATCH the video below to see how God moved in this couple's heart to show them adoption was so much bigger than their family.

I want to hear from you? What ways did your family raise money for adoption?

*from Becoming Home by Frames Barna Group & Jedd Medefind

What is Courtney up to this summer?

Greetings Family and Friends,
 I am overjoyed to let you know that The Lord has called me to return to Africa this summer to learn from whom I consider a dear dear friend the job that is short term mission work.  You see I am in the process of moving forward on some dreams that are so close to my heart and so personal to my family (I promise more information on that soon) that I need to understand 1st hand the work that is short term missions and I truly thought there was no one better to guide me on this course than my dear friend Gina.
To that end, my trip in July of this year will be to serve alongside the pastors of a local church in Kigali Rwanda. During our visit we will be delivering care packages to families who need to know The Lord, visiting and praying over the sick in the community the church serves, and assisting with worship, children's programs, and whatever else the church members can find use for us to do! It is my hearts desire to serve The Lord and I believe the best way to do that for the hurting people of Rwanda is to connect them to the local body of Christ that can minister to them long after I've returned to my home.

 Additionally, I am over the moon excited to be visiting a local school for the deaf. Several of our team members are fluent in American Sign Language, and the nation of Rwanda is in the early stages of creating a unified Rwandan Sign language which is very similar in dialect to ASL. You have no idea how much this means to me and our dear Marilyn who will be traveling with me!! I am excited that The Lord has called me to partner with him in reaching people in the communities around Kigali. If you feel led to serve The Lord by contributing financially to my mission trip I would be thrilled. I will be collecting help for my expenses as well as for donations to purchase goods while in country.

I'll be leaving American soil on July 13th and will return to the states Aug 1st.  It is truly a blessing and an honor to take this trip this summer alongside our sweet Marilyn!  Donations can be made to me via paypal - courtney@amagicalaffair.com or via check to Courtney Hammons

As always prayers appreciated as I prepare my heart and mind for this journey.

The CHAT with Priscilla ~

Greetings ~
On Monday night I had the very blessed opportunity to travel to the North Star studios here in Nashville with great friend and fellow adoptive mama Rebecca to see a taping of The CHAT with Priscilla.  Now I will admit I was not familiar with Priscilla Shirer prior to a facebook post from Gwen Oatsvall (co-founder of 147 Million Orphans) but you see her post well it had me at adoption. And I didn't  really had no idea what I was getting myself into but if Gwen and Kelly Putty (founder of Ordinary Hero) were to be the guests I KNEW it was gonna be an AMAZING not to be missed event.
And all I can say is that it did not disappoint!  Not one bit!!!

Both Gwen and Kelly shared their journey to and through adoption and were also joined by the most adorable Emily Chapman Richards (aka daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman) ~

I wanted to share a few photos from the evening but I really want to encourage you to watch the episode when it airs.  You see I know not everyone is called to adopt BUT everyone is called to care for the widows and orphans and these 3 ladies not only share their heart they shared concrete, viable ways you could make a difference.  And afterall is that not what we are ALL called to do!!  If you want more info on any of these ladies and their organizations I am gonna include the links after the photos so be sure to check them out!

The Chat with Priscilla

147 Million Orphans

Ordinary Hero

Show Hope

Oh Yeah I almost forgot - the details on the show - Mothering the Motherless - A Discussion on Adoption - Airs Nov 5th Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm ET | 6pm CT | Replay: 7pm MT | 6pm PT

Happy Birthday Tariku James - The Well is on the Way

WOW oh WOW!  What a week!  Last week Wednesday Tariku and I were having a small argument over the fact that we had not yet built the well back in Ethiopia and as I write this a mere week and a day later the money has been raised and when Tariku wakes as an 8year old his dream to give his sisters water will come true!  Over on our facebook page your will find a quick video we made last night about reaching our goal!  I cannot begin to thank the hundreds of people that made this dream possible for Tariku - But there are a few that I want to take a moment and recongize for without them this event never would have gotten off the ground or happend!

1. - Kirsten Howard (aka Ben's Mom) - when I called her in a panic that I had committed to this crazy idea in a moment of weakness she jumped on board with her awesome graphic design skills and created the amazing shirts for the fundraiser and has been a huge behind the scenes cheerleader for me this past week!

2. - Mathews Team Sports in Franklin TN for going ABOVE and BEYOND with the printing of these shirts for us

3. - Lipscomb Elementary for embracing both Tariku and Teddy and allowing them to be the boys they are.  As a school you have gone to great lengths to help Tariku see this dream come true and stood with him on this journey.  We are blessed and humbled to call you our home

4. - Each and everyone of you that shared his story, prayed for this heart and his sisters, donated and will continue to pray as we see the well come to being.  For the journey is only just beginning and we invite you to stay with us and see the story unfold!

Happy Happy Birthday my sweet Tariku - may your sisters someday know the difference you made for them and the heart you have for Africa.  May you know how very proud I am that God has called you to be my son.  Today while you travel with your papa to Wisconsin for Spring Break rest assured knowing that soon very very soon your sisters will have the same safe water to drink just like you!

We have a village!

Greetings Friends -
Well as I write this late on Tuesday evening we are at 42.3% of our goal for the well!  Earlier this evening Tariku asked to see the total and I showed him the page.  He looked at me and said MAMA we have a village!  The tears it brought to my eyes - the outpouring of love for this boys birthday wish has been amazing.  And I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing his story and his heart with your friends and family.  I humbly ask that you continue to share his story and the link for donations.  For I hope and pray come Saturday morning when we wakes I can say Happy Birthday the well is on it's way!

Please feel free to share the following ~

http://hammonshouseunplugged.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-on-our-way-Water-for-my-sisters/421226924639020

Tariku's Dream - Coming true thanks to so many of you

Greetings -
It is a gorgeous Sunday afternoon here in Middle Tn - The windows are open and the boys are at a friends playing for the day.  It has been an incredible weekend.  Yesterday Tariku was blessed beyond measure with the opportunity to spend the day at Polka Dots and Happy Thoughts  raising awareness and money for Well on our way - Water for my sisters!  The owners are an amazing couple Stacey and Chris Chatman - Stacey was actually Tariku's kindergarten teacher last year and she and I walked a journey together with him.  This year she is walking a new journey and I am so thankful that Tariku is able to be a small part of it!  Her fabulous husband picked Tariku from Teddy's soccer game and off they went!  Tariku spent all day at the store sharing his story and helping his friends Ms. Stacey and Mr. Chris and at the end of the day he had raised just over $800.00!!!  He could not have been prouder!!  He also had so many friends from school stop in and see him and share their allowance with him.  Here is a glimpse into his day!  Many many thanks to all that came out and supported him!  We could not walk this journey without you!

Tariku ready to head out with Mr. Chris

Tariku's donation jar at Polka Dots and Happy Thoughts

It's gonna take a village in AMERICA

Greetings -
Tariku said to me this morning mama it's gonna take a really big village to raise all this money for the water.  And he is so right!  But it's not just the money!  It's the friends and family that are praying, spreading the word, holding fundraisers, and helping that create this village!  Today I want to thank Kirsten Howard for being a huge building block in our foundation of our village.  Kirsten's son Ben is in Teddy's class this year and she is a free lance graphic designer.  Yesterday she offered to help design shirts and TODAY we have shirts designed and almost ready for pre-order.  We know we could not do this without our village and for that we are grateful!!!  Here is a sneak peek at the shirts and a bonus - bumper stickers!!!  Take a look and let us know what you think!  I will let you know the minute you can order!

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~
Courtney