August 13th, 2003 will always stand out as one of the most exciting days of our lives. That is the day that Darin and I met Bjorn David! It was the moment that changed our lives forever, and all for the better. We have been so blessed to be the chosen parents for this little treasure who is our son. It is an awe-inspiring privilege and honor to be witnesses to Bjorn’s life - to nurture him, guide him, teach him, to just plain love him! And that we do, in abundance! Bjorn has passed the 2½ year old mark, and is growing and developing every day. He has a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, a gentle soul, a compassionate heart, and an easy-going manner that draws people to him. He is, in essence, a sweetheart, and being his parents has brought our family so much joy!

In fact, our abundant joy has led us to pursue adoption. As you may or may not know, I have had 10 miscarriages. But we are excited about the possibility of adoption. We have researched many adoption related websites, spoken with several adoption agencies, and talked with friends who have been fortunate enough to adopt. After looking at all the information, we have decided on an independent domestic adoption.

At this point in our journey, we find ourselves wholly and totally committed to becoming adoptive parents. There is an overwhelming peace in our hearts about beginning this process now. We are anxiously awaiting the future and what God holds in store for our family. As with life in general, this will be handled with much prayer seeking God’s guidance. With the research that we have conducted, the one resounding fact is that adoptions are expensive. Crossroads Adoption Services, the agency we have decided on, says the approximate cost is between $15,000 - $20,000+. We are amazed by this number. But we do not feel discouraged by this incredible amount because we know our God is awesome, and He can overcome all things. If this adoption is something He has planned for our lives, He will make a way for us.

We wish that we were financially able to write a check and not even think about the cost, but realistically that won’t happen for us. There are grants and low-interest loans that we may be eligible for and rest assured that we are planning on seeking out and applying for all available money, but these subsidies usually only average about $1000 each. They will make a difference, but we will need your prayers. We know that God can open an avenue of means to us that we don’t even know exists. We plan to organize garage sales, bake sales, dinners and just about anything to raise money. We will continue to fundraise until we have reached our goal for adoption fees.

This is where you, our family and friends, come in. We are asking for your prayerful support during this time as we continue to face questions and make decisions. We ask that you pray we will proceed according to God’s will, that there will be a continued peace about this process, and that the adoption will go as smoothly as possible.

One of our greatest challenges is coming to you for help. You have all been such an enormous source of support in our lives that we hesitate to ask for more now. But we want to have our family behind us as we continue in this. We ask now that you pray and seek God’s guidance about financially supporting our adoption. We want this, but we are prepared to wait until God opens doors for us. If, after much prayer, you feel that God has laid it on your heart to help us out, we cannot even begin to express our thanks.

We know that you, our friends and family, would support us without question and each person give us everything we need if that were a possibility. But realistically we understand that we are all on very tight budgets and sometimes don't have $5 to spare. We completely understand that and know where you're coming from, in all of these cases we ask for your prayer support. Prayer will be key in bringing a child into our lives. This child will come into a Christian home and see the fruits of labor that prayer created every time they glance at a mirror. We are grateful for everything you send our way.

Adoption can be a very difficult path to navigate. When we ask for your support, we know we are asking a lot and we trust that you will have questions. We come to you with open hearts and minds, and will answer any question you may have. We realize that to completely support something, you have to completely understand it. Please call us, write us, or email us any questions you may have.

You will never know how much your love and support means to us. Please take this prayer request to your churches and Sunday school classes to the spread the word! We feel strongly that God has a child out there for us, and we are ready to bring them home. We come to you sincerely, with our hearts open. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you’ve done already and for the prayers that you have and will send our way!

With much love and appreciation!

Darin, Linsey, and Bjorn Lucas