As many of you know already, we have
begun the process to adopt a child from China. This decision is the product of
many months of prayer and discussion. We feel that God has blessed our family
beyond imagination and that He is leading us to share these blessings with an
orphaned girl from China. This is not a decision that we take lightly, but we
know that He will guide our steps. Our three biological children; Alaina (7),
Melanie (6), and Emily (3) couldn't be more excited, and we know they will be
amazing sisters. They each have a love for Jesus and are excited to bring this
knowledge to their new sister.
Right now, we are still in the
paperwork stage of the process. We have completed our home-study and await
approval of our paperwork from both the United States and Chinese governments.
Once this process is complete, which we expect by November, we will begin the
wait to be matched with a child. That wait could be long or short, we trust God
will direct us to the child He has waiting for us, and we will travel to China
to bring our daughter home four to six months later.
Adoption is not an easy process. The
paperwork, waiting, and travel are stressful, but that is the easy part. Our
daughter will have a "special need" that requires extra attention,
and although we don't know what it will be yet, we have begun to try to prepare
our family for this addition. The best way that we can make this preparation is
through prayer, both ours and yours. We are asking for your support. We have
been blessed in this community with amazing family and church support, which is
what we want to share with a girl who would otherwise never know the such love
existed.
Please pray that:
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God will lead us to His will, and we will faithfully follow Him.
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We will be patient as we wait for His timing.
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He will prepare our family for the changes ahead.
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He will protect our daughter while she waits for us.
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He will provide the means and funds necessary to bring her home.
We do not currently have the funds
required for this adoption, but believe that God will provide for His will to
be done. Adoption is expensive. Our estimated cost will be around $30,000. This
is due to the costs of travel, home-study and domestic paperwork preparation
and fees, and Chinese adoption fees. This last category is the bulk of the
cost. Around fifteen thousand dollars will be necessary for fees such as
Chinese medical exams, paperwork, and reimbursement to the orphanage for taking
care of our daughter while she waits for us. We have been saving for these
costs, living as frugally as possible, and seeking additional work to provide
for these costs. There is also an Adoption Tax Credit made available from the
US Government that we hope to qualify for once the adoption is complete.
If God would lay it upon your heart,
we would ask for your support as well. Our first request is for your prayers,
as detailed above. Financial support would also be very appreciated, but is
nothing compared to the power of prayer and love. If you decide to do so, we
have set up the following fund to be used exclusively for adoption costs
"adopttogether.org/bertschfamily". Your gifts through this fund are
tax-deductible. Payments can be made online or checks can be payable to
AdoptTogether with Bertsch in the memo.
Regardless of how God leads you to
support us, we would love for you and your family to join us as we celebrate
the wonderful family and friends He has blessed us with at our Fall Festival.
We look forward to your company.
In Christ's Love,
Nick,
Brooke, Alaina, Melanie, and Emily Bertsch
