A Gift That Keeps on Giving

This past Wednesday was my birthday and our three children presented me with a special "Momma's Birthday Coupon Book" filled with things such as "Wrap Around Hug," "Cuddle Time," "Do a Drawing," and "Clean Back Porch."  Needless to say, I look forward to cashing in on these special coupons, especially the hugs and cuddles! 

I also received a gift on my birthday that I didn't anticipate receiving.  Jason and I applied for adoption fundraising support from Lifesong for Orphans (www.lifesongfororphans.org), a wonderful non-profit Chrisian ministry dedicated to help meet the needs of orphans around the world...and I found out on my birthday that we were approved! 

What does this mean?  Lifesong has created an account for us by which individuals who want to support our adoption with a financial gift can do so and it will be tax deductible.  We estimate our total cost for adoption fees, document preparation, home study, airfare, travel, and other fees to be approximately $30,000.  While this is certainly money we don’t have, we know God is faithful and is calling us to trust Him.  Through God’s provision we have been able to pay the initial $10,000, but that leaves a balance of $20,000 that we need in order to bring our precious daughter, Jenna Jean, home from China.   

It is hard for us to ask for help (because of our pride), but we also know that many people want to help in our adoption process, and this is one tangible way to support our family...and it is definitely a gift that will keep on giving!   Lifesong is a trusted organization administering the funds on Jenna’s behalf, and will pay adoption expenses out of funds received.

So if you'd like to contribute financially to help bring Jenna home from China, here is the information you need to know:
 Please make checks payable to “Lifesong for Orphans.”  In the memo section of your check, please write “Preference: Preston #3393 Adoption"  Mail your check to:

Lifesong for Orphans

Att: Preston/Acct #3393

P.O. Box 40

Gridley, IL 61744

If you would prefer to contribute online through Paypal*, you can go to https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate/one-time/  Under "Gift Preference" you would select "Adoption Funding."  Then under "Adoption Gift Preference" you would select "Family Specific."  Our Family ID Number is 3393 and our Family Name is Preston. 

*Please note that PayPal will charge an administrative fee (2.9% + $0.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you in advance for your support.  But more important to us than any financial gift is the gift of prayer.  Please pray for God to care for Jenna, wherever she is in China, and pray for Jason, Nathan, Shelby, Andrew and I during this time of waiting and preparing for the changes that will come to our family in 2013.

Merry Christmas!