Landon and Jana Van Zante of Sully have felt the calling of adoption on their hearts for several years. Even before the couple was married, Landon expressed his desire to adopt, but Jana admits to being hesitant. It wasn’t until years later after reading Jennie Allen’s book “Anything” that Jana’s outlook on life and her walk with Jesus changed. The transformation in the couple’s view of the Gospel and better understanding of Jesus’ call to radical Christianity, not comfortable Christianity, brought about a renewed interest in international adoption.
“With nearly 153 million orphans in the world, we knew we needed to do something,” said Jana. “We can help orphans in many different ways, but our way is through adoption. God has made it abundantly clear, and although we know adopting won’t change the world, it’ll at least change the world for the one child God has picked out for us.”
At the beginning of 2016, the Van Zante family – including six-year-old Alexa and two-year old Noelle, started researching adoption agencies. The family connected with Holt International and decided on the Philippines as the country to adopt from. “Every country has an abundance of children who are in need of families, so there wasn’t really anything specific that led us to one country over another,” said Landon.
The family officially applied in June 2016. Since then, they have filled out loads of paperwork, received FBI clearance as well as passed background checks, and have sent in references. A home study process – which the Van Zantes found was easier than expected – was the next item on the checklist marked off. After the home study, the family finalized their dossier, the official packet sent over to the Philippines for approval. Mar. 1, 2017, the Van Zantes received the news they had been anxiously awaiting for – they were officially approved to adopt a child from the Philippines.
The journey of adoption can be long and expensive – the average wait is 18 months, and the family knows adoption costs will total approximately $30,000 by the time everything is finalized. Those daunting numbers have not dampened the family’s determination to open their hearts to a child they already love, want, and pray for, yet don’t even know.
Hand-painted signs made by Jana and unique lamps made by Landon’s brother were available for purchase during the Van Zantes’ fundraiser supper.
A variety of delicious cupcakes were part of the meal served at the spaghetti supper.
Early in the process, Jana started making hand-painted signs with proceeds going to the adoption fund. The side business was a hit, and orders rolled in as people wanted to adorn their walls with the one-of-a-kind signs. The signs serve an even greater purpose than decorating a home – they help fund the process of bringing the Van Zantes’ child home.
After receiving approval of the dossier in March, the Van Zantes organized a spaghetti supper fundraiser. Jana reports within days, offers of food donations, meal preparation, and volunteer help poured in. The evening’s menu consisted of spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, sweet- corn, breadsticks, cupcakes, water, tea, and lemonade. Thanks to the generosity of friends and family, Landon and Jana only had to supply the breadsticks and lemonade – everything else was donated.
Saturday night, Apr. 29, approximately 250 people attended the fundraiser supper held at the Sully Christian School and gave to the worthy cause. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and were able to purchase signs Jana had made, as well as unique lamps created by Landon’s brother, Matt. Going into the fundraiser, the couple admits they didn’t know what to expect, but are blown away by everyone’s generosity. They had a goal of raising a couple of thousand dollars from the supper, and Saturday’s donated amount far exceeds that goal.
“Last night was amazing. We've experienced love and generosity before, but never quite to this extreme,” said Landon and Jana in a social media post. “Thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement. Life truly takes a village, and we sure experienced that firsthand last night. A big thanks to those who helped out last night. Many of you want to stay anonymous, but we'll never forget your generosity!”
