Bringing Exton Home
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Let's help our friend Linda bring Exton home!
Here's Linda's story from a recent conversation:
The Journey
My journey towards adoption actually began before I was born, through the adoptions of two of my maternal great-grandfathers in the late 1800's and early 1900's (that's 120 years ago!). So I guess you could say adoption runs deep in my blood. I'm extremely grateful that others were willing to take in orphaned children who lost their parents. I'm sure my story would look very different today if that generosity had not occurred.
Even though I had always had a feeling that I would adopt a child someday, it wasn’t until I was at a women’s retreat about 10 years ago, during an “ice breaker,” that I said the words out loud. The women in that group were, and have been, my champions in this endeavor ever since. While I am sad that a few are not here on earth any longer to see the fruition of this dream, I am so grateful for their encouragement and support while they were. And I know they are still cheering me on from Heaven!
While this journey took me on some unexpected twists and turns and has been longer that I might have ever anticipated, I know that God's been ahead of me every step of the way and knew the perfect timing for Exton and I to meet.
What’s In A Name?
When considering names for my Exton, I wanted his name to represent the pieces of our journey; a piece of my adoption story, a piece of his adoption story and a piece of our adoption story as we journey forward. The name of my great-grandfather’s adoptive father was Stout Exton Higgins and this middle name was passed along to my grandfather (a piece of my adoption story). Exton's middle name will represent a piece of his adoption story. His last name will be the piece of our adoption story as we journey forward.
It Takes A Village
How can you be involved? First, I ask for your prayers for Exton and I. I will be a first time single mother adopting a toddler and that alone will be a huge adjustment for both of us.
The second way is in the fundraising process. In addition to my investment so far, the remaining costs are estimated around $20,000. My hope is that the village that has surrounded me for years can now be part of the village that helps to bring Exton home. And, most importantly, will continue to be the village that helps him grow into the man God has created him to be.
Thirdly, whether you can financially participate or not, I ask, if you feel led, to please share this via email or social media to your villages as well.
Thank You
Thank you for whatever support you can offer. I can’t wait for you to meet him!
Here's Linda's story from a recent conversation:
The Journey
My journey towards adoption actually began before I was born, through the adoptions of two of my maternal great-grandfathers in the late 1800's and early 1900's (that's 120 years ago!). So I guess you could say adoption runs deep in my blood. I'm extremely grateful that others were willing to take in orphaned children who lost their parents. I'm sure my story would look very different today if that generosity had not occurred.
Even though I had always had a feeling that I would adopt a child someday, it wasn’t until I was at a women’s retreat about 10 years ago, during an “ice breaker,” that I said the words out loud. The women in that group were, and have been, my champions in this endeavor ever since. While I am sad that a few are not here on earth any longer to see the fruition of this dream, I am so grateful for their encouragement and support while they were. And I know they are still cheering me on from Heaven!
While this journey took me on some unexpected twists and turns and has been longer that I might have ever anticipated, I know that God's been ahead of me every step of the way and knew the perfect timing for Exton and I to meet.
What’s In A Name?
When considering names for my Exton, I wanted his name to represent the pieces of our journey; a piece of my adoption story, a piece of his adoption story and a piece of our adoption story as we journey forward. The name of my great-grandfather’s adoptive father was Stout Exton Higgins and this middle name was passed along to my grandfather (a piece of my adoption story). Exton's middle name will represent a piece of his adoption story. His last name will be the piece of our adoption story as we journey forward.
It Takes A Village
How can you be involved? First, I ask for your prayers for Exton and I. I will be a first time single mother adopting a toddler and that alone will be a huge adjustment for both of us.
The second way is in the fundraising process. In addition to my investment so far, the remaining costs are estimated around $20,000. My hope is that the village that has surrounded me for years can now be part of the village that helps to bring Exton home. And, most importantly, will continue to be the village that helps him grow into the man God has created him to be.
Thirdly, whether you can financially participate or not, I ask, if you feel led, to please share this via email or social media to your villages as well.
Thank You
Thank you for whatever support you can offer. I can’t wait for you to meet him!
Organizer
Friends of Linda Shepherd
Organizer
Nashville, TN
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