So you are considering adoption….

"I'm feel called to adoption... now what?"

Adoption can be a beautiful way to add to your family. But first, before you jump in, invest the time to breathe, read and research!

We are often asked, "what are the first steps you recommend that a family take?" Overall, Prayer, Research, Support and Education are key!

1. Pray! Seek the Lord and pour your heart out to Him. Journal your thoughts and feelings. Why are you feeling led to adoption? Ask for wisdom as you proceed. James 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 1 John 5:14-15 are great Scripture references

2. Gather community! Do you have friends who have adopted? Ask for their wisdom and advice and lessons learned along the way. There are needs for every type of adoption -- domestic, international and foster care. Gather wisdom from friends who have gone before you. Seek out local support groups from your church or other local groups, and ask questions. You will learn so much from them!

3. Seek more information. Don't commit to the first group you come across. Request their information packets. Do your due diligence and research them. Ask for phone calls or video conferences. See where your faith and values align. Ask about finances and risks. Ask about the training that they recommend you complete. Then, do the reading, listen to the podcasts; there are many great podcasts about the adoption process, views from birth parents and adult adoptees. Invest the time to understand everyone involved in adoption -- birth family, the adopted child as well as the adoptive family.

4. Choose a trusted adoption professional. It’s so important to get current reviews and input from families who have adopted recently. Familiarize yourself with your state laws as well. Take the time to interview possible adoption professionals.

5. Jump in! Once you have identified the adoption professional you'd like to work with in your family building efforts, it's important to keep up with your To Do list. Your consultant will help you pace yourself and not get too overwhelmed.

6. Get vulnerable (again!). Once you go "live" with your agency or consultant, ask for prayers and tangible help as you jump into the process. Ask for prayers for your discernment, ask for prayers for the biological family of the child you hope to adopt. Ask for prayers for your future child. Share the tangible needs for your adoption to be completed.

7. Equip your group. The adoption landscape is always changing. We recommend gifting a copy of "In on It" to the family and friends who are supporting you on your adoption journey so that they also know what to expect, and how to support you best in your adoption journey.

8 Prepare your heart for parenthood. Make sure that you are ready to emotionally and physically and spiritually dive into the lifelong journey of parenthood. Research and locate a post-adoption support group in your community and/or online.