We are the Hanlon Family: Jim, Christine, Zach (age 19) and James (age 5). We are adopting through China’s Special Needs Program.  The call to adopt came quite unexpectedly last summer, as God worked his plan through the words of our youngest son, James.  His message took root in our minds first, and then quickly bloomed in our hearts.  We happily accept the mission set before us, and we hope our story inspires others to care for orphans in any way they can. (James 1:27) You can read how our journey started, and where it goes from here at our blog.

When we set out to learn more about adoption, we had no idea the cost associated with it. Although the initial estimate stung a bit, it did not deter us. We know that we are more fortunate than most people in the world (According to the World Wealth Calculator, if you make $33,500 a year, you are among the richest 5% in the world.)  We don’t measure our overall wealth in dollars, (James often says, “We’re rich with love, right mom?”), but with statistics like the one above, we can’t help but know that sharing our blessings with someone who needs a family is the right thing to do.

Initially, using savings and a few other tactics, we managed to pay the first few bills ourselves.  Jim and I are both 6th grade teachers, so taking on a few tutoring jobs and coaching soccer were ways we could use our talents to bring in some extra money. We also received a $500 grant towards our home study. Now that our dossier is just about finished, we are faced with much larger bills, and so we are beginning to reach out to others who might be called to support the tragic state of 14+ million orphans worldwide.   We recently signed up with Adopt Together, a 501 c 3 charitable organization designed to reimburse families for adoption related expenses.  All donations are tax deductible. Within the first week that our site became live, several people jumped on board to help us reach our goal. We are blessed with such kind family members and friends.

To keep the momentum going, we decided to add a little twist to the fundraising efforts. For every $50 donated at our Adopt Together site, your name will be entered for a chance to win a week stay in a 4-bedroom vacation villa in Kissimmee, Florida from August 7-14, 2014.  (See the villa at homeaway.com, property #905233.) This raffle fundraiser will only last until the end of March, to give our winner the chance to make travel arrangements. You can enter as often as you wish, for example $100 = 2 chances to win, $200 = 4 chances to win, etc. You can also donate with a check by printing out raffle tickets here.  Tickets will be automatically generated when donating online; paper copies are only needed when donating with a check. You don’t have to participate in the raffle to donate to our mission.   There are directions on our Adopt Together site on how to have your name entered into the raffle.

Which little girl has God chosen for our family? We happily wait for news of who she is, and will gladly carry out God’s plan for her future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thank you for kindly following our family’s adoption journey and for supporting one little girl’s future.