What We Know For Sure About 2026

As we prepare to enter the new year, there are an endless number of unknowns. And for those of us who feel a bit like we’ve been through a gauntlet of fire in 2025, the question marks over the coming year might loom large. What will become of the conflicts faced in wartorn countries around the world? What will unfold within our own country? Will the people that I love still be here next year at this time? Is my marriage going to be in a better place next year than it is now? What will happen with the situation my child is struggling with? How will sickness and suffering touch the lives of my family and friends? Is God going to do something about the things I’ve been waiting for? Will I see Him finally answer the prayers for my family that I’ve been begging Him about? If I am answering these questions honestly, I have to admit that I simply don’t know.

Instead of ignoring the question marks, I’ve found that acknowledging them helps me move beyond my anxieties about the future to the God who is already there. What do I know for sure about 2026? 

God will continue to be the true King, ruling over all (Psalm 103:19). 

God will continue to be the ultimate Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). 

God will continue to be a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). 

God will continue to be with me, never leaving me or forsaking me (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

God will be faithful to continue the good work He has started in me and in my family (Philippians 1:6). 

God will continue to meet my needs (Philippians 4:19). 

God will continue to hear my prayers (Psalm 91:15). 

God will not run out of grace for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

God will fulfill His purpose for me and His love for me will endure (Psalm 138:8).

There is a lot I don’t know about the year to come. But what I do know about God leads me to believe that He is good, and I can trust Him. That is some pretty good news as we head into 2026!

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Choosing An Adoption Consultant

Are you investigating different consulting companies, trying to decide which is the best fit for you? As an Adoption Consultant with The Joyful Adoption, here are some things I'd encourage you to consider:

There is not one right direction that you must take.

I like to compare this loosely to choosing a church to be a part of. There is not only one church that is good or worth attending (praise God)! There are some non-negotiables that you want to ensure your church has and some red flags to avoid. But, each church has a different vibe as well as their own strengths and weaknesses, and you need to find the one that is the best fit for you. What you’re looking for might be different than what your friend is seeking, and that’s ok! If a consulting company says they are the best out there, that’s questionable because there isn’t just one right/best consulting group.

The total amount of money you spend can vary drastically from company to company.

I’m not talking specifically about the fee you pay to sign on with the consultant, but about what comes next. Did you know…

• In addition to the fee you pay to sign on with the consultant, some companies recommend you pay additional application fees to a handful of agencies (with each application fee ranging from hundreds to thousands). Even if you applied to five agencies that each had a $300 application fee, that’s $1500 that you’re spending just on application fees alone. But in reality, you’re likely paying several thousands just in agency applications with that approach. (While there are other consulting companies that regularly send you adoption situations from agencies that initially waive any application fees!)

• Some companies point you to agencies whose total fees are all averaging in the $70K range. (While there are some adoption agencies that have fees that high, not all agencies do and it’s not necessary for you to pay that high of an agency fee to adopt.)

Different companies have different practices.

For example…

• Some companies won’t give out the stats you ask for about how spread thin they actually are; some consultants aren’t even allowed to tell you how many families they are currently working with! 

• In the consulting world, you will find some companies that are highly formulaic with not a lot of personal contact; the majority of their emails are canned, and the adoption situations they send all are being database-driven (not individualized). 

• There are some consulting companies that regularly forward adoption situations to you from agencies so that you don’t need to pay additional app fees to present to expectant mothers, while others rarely have situations to forward on. 

• Some consultants don’t allow you to specify what you’re open to regarding gender, ethnicity, and openness level, while others allow you to decide what your family feels comfortable with. 

• Additionally, some consulting companies send you situations but don’t tell you what agency those situations are coming from or many details involved, while others disclose what agency sent the situation and the shared information is provided.

• Some companies have goals to work with as many families as possible per year while others limit the amount of families they will work with at once to provide more individualized attention.

• Seeing families matched as quickly as possible is at the heart of some consulting groups, while others strive to equip you for an ethical adoption.

Ok, but now what?

Just like every Christian decides which church is the best fit for them, every hopeful adoptive parent looking into consultants must ultimately determine which consulting company is the best fit for them. There is no rush; take your time while you gather information. And pray! God loves to give us wisdom as we ask Him. He will be faithful to direct you to the place that will ultimately be right for you.

Don't Hesitate To Reach Out!

I'd love to share with you more about what The Joyful Adoption has to offer you to see if we are what you're looking for. Reach out at any point (katie@thejoyfuladoption.com), and we can schedule a free consultation call.

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Adoption Education Matters

 

Did you know that every state requires a different number of education hours for adoptive parents? While some states require 10 hours or more, others have very minimal requirements. Can you imagine getting ready to jump into one of the most important journeys of your life without being thoroughly equipped? You and your child deserve better. Enter, The Joyful Adoption!

At Joyful, we believe that having an adoption rooted in the joy of the Lord begins with supportive education. We have developed critical educational opportunities to assist families as they prepare to adopt. From our one-of-a-kind step-by-step adoption guide, to educational learning modules, to conversation connections with a birth mama and adult adoptees, to detailed assistance from our funding specialist, to a private online community of other adoptive families, to our personalized one-on-one support, we will diligently prepare you. We will also point you to a variety of additional phenomenal resources within the adoption world.

One of the most encouraging compliments that we frequently receive is from agencies, thanking us for preparing our families so well! Don't settle for working with an adoption entity that doesn't thoroughly equip you.  We would love to help you!

If you would like to learn more about the process of domestic adoption, please contact me at katie@thejoyfuladoption.com.

 

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Adoption Costs

 

The number one hesitation that I hear from families considering adoption is the financial aspect. It simply seems insurmountable. How can anyone afford adoption? 

How Does Joyful's Funding Specialist Help?

At The Joyful Adoption, we understand firsthand the challenge that this aspect of the process can bring. That's why we provide you with a funding specialist to help you connect with grants, loans, and fundraisers that are a good fit for you. We will listen to your specific story and the details of your financial circumstances, discuss strategic tips for grant writing, recommend grant opportunities that best match your situation, and suggest fundraisers and loans as well. 

What Kind Of Financial Assistance Is Out There?

1) A Matching Grant (This type of grant provides you with a dollar-for-dollar match; when someone donates money to your adoption through the tax-deductible grant platform, the grant org matches the amount, typically ranging from 3-6K thus often helping you raise 6K-12K or more!)

2) Outright Grants (These grants are a set amount. Some will only allow families who are matched to apply while others will work with any family who has already completed a home study.)

3) Loans (There are specific adoption loans with a variety of interest levels available. There are also standard loans from your bank.)

4) Fundraisers (There are incredible adoption fundraisers for Christian families. I have had families raise over 40K through one amazing fundraiser in particular!)

Tell Me More About Grants!

Will anyone who applies for a grant get one? Not exactly. There are many factors that a grant organization considers including (but not limited to) the number of applicants, the number of available funds, the debt a family has, the cost of living in your area, the specific factors leading to the current savings you have, the effort you've already put into your fundraising, any money you've already lost in your journey to parenthood, etc. Typically, families who make over 150K a year will have a tougher time receiving grants, though there are still some out there that will consider you and we have had Joyful families who make over that amount receive a grant. Other grants will start to cap around the 130K mark. For families who make under that, there are many grant opportunities available. Most grant applications require writing detailed essays and providing thorough information about your finances. It's not a cookie-cutter process; that's why Joyful loves to tailor the conversation to your personal story. 

How Can I Learn More?

I would love to discuss any further questions you may have about adoption funding. I have seen in my own family as well as in the lives of hundreds of other families that there are many resources available to Christians pursuing adoption. Don't hesitate to reach out to me at katie@thejoyfuladoption.com to schedule a phone call!

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Adoption Heartbreak at Christmas

 

(Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash)

What do you do when adoption heartbreak envelops you at Christmastime? Whether you find yourself in an unexpected ongoing season of empty arms, are walking through a prolonged wait, or have experienced an adoption that didn't work out the way you hoped, Christmastime can magnify the sting of suffering. Whatever was already hurting seems to hurt more in a season that presents itself as "merry" and "bright," especially when you feel the opposite.

If that's the difficult path you're currently on, pretend with me for a moment that we're sitting down together with hot drinks, ignoring the hustle and bustle around us, and you've just shared with me the heavy weight on your heart. In this moment, where it's clear that no words can really make this all better, I want to compassionately point you to the God of all comfort. Scripture calls Him, "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction..." (2 Corinthians 1:3). Mercy. Comfort. That's what He offers you this season and what He offers is so very different than what the rest of the world does.

Well-meaning people may attempt to help but leave you feeling more isolated and more hurt. Even a spouse who wants to understand can't fully grasp what it's like for you to uniquely process these challenging circumstances. But the Father of mercies and God of all comfort knows your heart. He knows your pain. He sees and He knows and He is right here with you, wanting to comfort you in all your affliction. The Father of mercies and God of all comfort isn't frowning at you, telling you to get it together and be happy this Christmas. He isn't expecting you to pretend everything is fine or ignore that this isn't how it's supposed to be. He is telling you that He is with you and that He is your comforter. 

In Isaiah 41:10 we hear God's heart for us: "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Even now, He is ready to help you and with you. He is with you, upholding you.

This Christmas, let's remember that Jesus came and entered our world as a baby in Bethlehem. He came into the darkness of sin and suffering as the Light of the World. That baby took on flesh, grew up, and paid the price for our sins on the cross. In our desperation and sadness, He made way for hope; He gave us the promise that we can be made right with God, and one day, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes as we see Him face to face. He carried our griefs and sorrows. By His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53). There will come a day when all things will be made new and the brokenness and sorrow of this world will be a distant memory as we spend forever in eternity with no more sorrow, no more tears. 

But until that day, while you stumble brokenhearted through this Christmas season, look to your Father of mercies. He is the God of all comfort. He is with you.

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Feeling Lost In The Adoption Process

 

The number of decisions involved in the adoption process can make you feel overwhelmed. Where do you start? How do you choose a home study provider? Should you stick with one local agency or widen your reach by applying to multiple agencies? What are realistic expectations to have about your timeline? How can you afford to adopt? Ask anyone who has ever considered adoption, and they will likely tell you they know what it's like to feel lost along the way. 

First, I want to encourage you that this is a really common experience for anyone who has begun the adoption process. A mix of being overwhelmed and excited is very normal. Next, I want to encourage you to take your heart to our Father, who compassionately cares for us; pour out all of your cares to Him because He cares for you!

If you're feeling lost as you consider adoption, I want to encourage you to reach out to an Adoption Consultant. One of the greatest benefits to working with an Adoption Consultant is decreasing that sense of overwhelm. You don't have to walk through this complex process by yourself, feeling like you're drowning in details and questions. I would love to answer your questions, hear your heart, and talk with you about the benefits of working with an Adoption Consultant for your journey. Having an adoption professional on your side who has been through the process personally and also walked hundreds of couples through the journey makes all the difference. You don't have to feel lost and overwhelmed. 

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Adoption Expectations That Make You, Not Break You

Expectations. They can kind of make us or break us, can't they? As I've walked with many people through their adoption journeys, I've seen families crushed by unrealistic expectations and I've seen families beautifully hope in God as they've surrendered their expectations to Him. So what does it look like to have reasonable expectations during your adoption and specifically as you work with me as your adoption consultant? What does it look like for adoption expectations to "make you" rather than "break you?"

1) Remember who is in control.
Sometimes we can trick ourselves into thinking that we can make things happen if we just try hard enough or if others try hard enough on our behalf. But the reality is, in all of life, but especially in adoption, we are not in control. You cannot make an expectant mother choose you. You cannot make a child be placed with you. There is no escaping the reality that we are not ultimately in control of our adoption stories-God is. And that’s really hard but also really freeing because He sees the whole picture long before we do.

2) Remember, God's timing isn't perfectly predictable.
Working with an adoption consultant has many benefits (you can read more about that here). But working with an adoption consultant does not mean you're guaranteed a perfectly easy, lightening fast adoption. Average wait time with me once you’ve applied to multiple agencies under a year to match. That’s the average so that also means you could match sooner or you could match later. If you’re one of the families who is matched before that 6 month time, that’s a wonderful thing! Everyone wants to be that fast whirlwind story, but most adoptions don’t happen that way. If you’re more in that 6-12 month range, take heart-that’s the experience for the majority of my families. If it takes longer than 12 months to match with an expectant mom, that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you, or that you aren't meant to adopt, or that you are doomed! Your wait is still going to be absolutely worth it when your baby is in your arms, no matter how long it takes.

**As a side note, one of the large variables to your wait time is how open you are in your adoption preferences (gender, ethnicity, drug or alcohol use, level of openness, family size, budget, etc) but even that doesn’t ultimately determine anything because at the end of the day, it’s all about God’s timing. There is no way for you or me to perfectly predict when He will bring your child to you.

3) Remember, exposure to more adoption situations doesn't mean presenting your profile each week.
If you work with a consultant, you'll be taking a multi-agency approach and that providers greater exposure to available adoptive situations which can cut down the wait time considerably. That doesn’t mean my families see a situation every day or every week. On the flip side, there may be weeks when my families see multiple situations. When someone takes a typical approach to adoption and only works with one agency, it's not uncommon to wait 2-3 years to be matched, sometimes barely presenting your profile much at all during those years. (This is not the case with everyone, but it's common for many who stick with just one agency.) Families working with me are in a great position since they are typically seeing many more situations than they would be if they were just with one agency.

4) Remember, your adoption consultant is on your team!
This probably sounds ridiculous to even point out but it's still important to remember! Just like you can't make your baby come to you, I can't either. What I can do is pray, and guide, and support and educate you but I cannot tell you what to do in any given situation and I cannot bring your child to you! My heart as a consultant is for my families. I carry them on my heart. I pray for them, I cry for them and with them, and my heart breaks as theirs does. But I can't make someone's adoption happen-only God can bring them their child.

5) Remember, God is working in your wait.
Waiting is not purposeless! Press hard into the Lord during your wait. Waiting is so hard but it’s not worthless. God is in the wait. He wants to draw you to Himself and help you trust in Him. He wants to show you His love and His grace. He wants to increase your heart of love for the women in crisis pregnancies. He wants to lift your gaze away from yourself to Him. God is using the wait to bring your child to you and He is using the wait to bring you more to His throne of grace. He is able to give you all the help that you need during your wait.

I've got to be honest with you though-none of this completely diminishes the hard of waiting in adoption. But fighting to remember these things can help your heart. Waiting doesn't have to break you-it can make you! It can make you more and more into His image.

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For more information about domestic adoption, please contact me.

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Why Use An Adoption Consultant?

**I wrote this post back in 2012 when my husband and I were in the midst of our first adoption process before I became an adoption consultant myself. While I could share a post from my perspective as a consultant now, I love that this post shares my heart while I was actually an adoptive family using a consultant.**

About a year ago, I thought that using an adoption consultant was just plain dumb.  My thinking went something like this: Adoption is expensive and hiring a consultant is another expense.  Why on earth would someone hire an adoption consultant?  My thinking about adoption consultants has drastically changed.  I went from thinking we'd never use one to not being able to imagine our adoption journey without one.  Why?  Here are some of the many reasons that we thank God for our adoption consultant.

1) Decreasing the Risks

Domestic adoption does have risks. While all adoptions have risks, good adoption consultants help their clients sort through the level of risk involved with each situation and give invaluable information to help adoptive parents make informed decisions in their adoption journey. Adoption consultants typically work primarily with "safe states" that are adoption friendly (where consents are generally signed in 24-72 hrs). An ethical adoption consultant usually points hopeful adoptive parents to agencies and attorneys that are spending a considerable amount of time providing counseling; these agencies usually don't match the expectant mama until she's at least 20 weeks.

2) Exposure to multiple agencies and attorneys 

Working with multiple agencies helps you have more exposure to more potential adoption situations. Instead of being one family in a line with many at only one agency, working with an adoption consultant makes it possible for you to learn about more adoption situations and so have the opportunity to show your profile more frequently. Out of the hundreds of agencies and attorneys out there, it's difficult to know which are reputable. A good adoption consultant has done that legwork for you! 

3) Significant decrease in wait time

Working with only one agency means that you are most likely one of many, many clients waiting in a long line to adopt.  In a traditional approach of only working with one agency, many adoptive couples wait 2+ years or more before they are matched with an expectant mom.  Because a good adoption consultant helps you find multiple good agencies and attorneys, the wait time when you're working with one can be significantly decreased.  As in, most families are matched under a year after applying with multiple agencies. (This is just the average; some families are matched faster than that and some are matched longer than that.)

4)  Help from someone who is genuinely knowledgeable AND really understands

Most excellent adoption consultants have adopted before themselves. They know what it's like to adopt because they've been through the process (sometimes multiple times).  They are an incredible wealth of knowledge and information (which is great)!  They've helped TONS of couples adopt.  But their knowledge is coupled with a heart that has experienced the joys and challenges of adoption.  Because of that heart, they are extremely quick to respond to questions from clients (no waiting weeks to hear from them!).  Because of that heart, they pray regularly for their clients.  Because of that heart, they are a constant encouragement and help.  

5)  Benefits that far exceed the cost

Yes, hiring an adoption consultant isn't free. But in our opinion, the benefits to working with an adoption consultant have far exceeded the cost (and we aren't even matched with an expectant mom yet).  In the grand scheme of adoption expenses, it really isn't a lot to hire someone who will make a priceless difference in your adoption journey.  We've received extremely helpful answers to countless questions. We've been connected to wonderful attorneys and agencies.  We've been encouraged, supported, and prayed for every single step of the way. And we've been blessed with having someone who is really on our side (much like a midwife who coaches you all through your pregnancy, labor, and delivery).  

To be really honest, we are getting way more than we paid for with our adoption consultant.  And to think that I once thought that using an adoption consultant was ridiculous!

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