Monday, February 23, 2009
Ghana Africa
God, today you have turned my heart towards Ghana Africa. May I be willing to go wherever you send me to love whatever child you ask me to love.
He will provide
I've been doing some reading and have found that most couples who adopt do so as a way to build their family. I think that's a wonderful thing; it not only provides an opportunity for a couple to have a child but also allows another option for a woman who's not prepared to be a mother. I believe strongly that abortion is wrong and I'm so thankful that there's adoption is such a wonderful option. With that in mind and dear to my heart, that's not why we seek to adopt. I'd like to also connect with families who already have children and are seeking to adopt since that's the ship we're sailing.
Recently God has greatly provided in two clear ways a connection that my heart desires. Let me share briefly [if briefly is possible when my fingers are on a keyboard]:
1. Two weeks ago I did a quick search for a family where I grew up that had their own son and then adopted two Korean boys. I just wanted to pick their brain a little but the search only provided a street address and I was hoping for something more internet-ish, like a way to contact them via email. I resorted to knowing I could phone them at some point in the future. Then last week as I was praying for little Eli and reading through the comments on his mom's blog, I found myself linking to the blogs of those who commented to see if I knew them too (since it was a blog of a friend back in CA). At the top of one of the blogs, I saw Jerad's picture. Jerad is the son that was born to the family prior to their adoption. I couldn't believe it. And not only that, but the picture was celebrating Jared and his wife's brand new baby that they ADOPTED! Again, I couldn't believe it. So I contacted this stranger whose blog I was staring at and asked for Jerad's email. This morning I emailed him and am excited to hear back.
Today my prayer to a God who can make the simple but amazing connection is asking that He will have favor on my email and that it won't be sent to Jerad's junk or spam mail.
2. During our Discipleship Hour on Sunday, we had two families join us to talk about their call to full time missions in Guatamala. Little did I know nor could I be prepared for the emotion that stirred in my heart as I heard the family talk about adopting two children from Guatamala. They told of how the adoption let them to become missionaries in that foreign place. I had read about these families and don't at all recall reading about their adoption connection. How amazing.
Today my prayer to a God who can connect two strangers through a totally different topic is asking that He will continue to introduce me to those in whom we can find encouragement through this process.
Recently God has greatly provided in two clear ways a connection that my heart desires. Let me share briefly [if briefly is possible when my fingers are on a keyboard]:
1. Two weeks ago I did a quick search for a family where I grew up that had their own son and then adopted two Korean boys. I just wanted to pick their brain a little but the search only provided a street address and I was hoping for something more internet-ish, like a way to contact them via email. I resorted to knowing I could phone them at some point in the future. Then last week as I was praying for little Eli and reading through the comments on his mom's blog, I found myself linking to the blogs of those who commented to see if I knew them too (since it was a blog of a friend back in CA). At the top of one of the blogs, I saw Jerad's picture. Jerad is the son that was born to the family prior to their adoption. I couldn't believe it. And not only that, but the picture was celebrating Jared and his wife's brand new baby that they ADOPTED! Again, I couldn't believe it. So I contacted this stranger whose blog I was staring at and asked for Jerad's email. This morning I emailed him and am excited to hear back.
Today my prayer to a God who can make the simple but amazing connection is asking that He will have favor on my email and that it won't be sent to Jerad's junk or spam mail.
2. During our Discipleship Hour on Sunday, we had two families join us to talk about their call to full time missions in Guatamala. Little did I know nor could I be prepared for the emotion that stirred in my heart as I heard the family talk about adopting two children from Guatamala. They told of how the adoption let them to become missionaries in that foreign place. I had read about these families and don't at all recall reading about their adoption connection. How amazing.
Today my prayer to a God who can connect two strangers through a totally different topic is asking that He will continue to introduce me to those in whom we can find encouragement through this process.
Ghana Africa
God, today you have turned my heart towards Ghana Africa. May I be willing to go wherever you send me to love whatever child you ask me to love. The story and the connection to About A Child is another God send. The work through a Pastor who is highly respected and trusted by the Ghananian government can only be through the hand of God.
Lord God, I don't know where you're asking us to go but I pray that you prepare my heart, my bended knees, and the soles of my feet to walk this journey.
Lord God, I don't know where you're asking us to go but I pray that you prepare my heart, my bended knees, and the soles of my feet to walk this journey.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Fees
One agency we've done a pre-application with and are digging through the information provided is All God's Children. The following are the fees associated with adopting through them:
Agency Fees
$300 Application
$6000 Agency Fee
$1700 Homestudy fee (this amount will likely be higher as AGCI can't do the homestudy in Iowa and will hire someone else)
$350 each Post adoption report
$1000 Post adoption translation and administrative fee
International Service Fee
$7500 for adopting from Ethiopia
Additional US Fees
$670 US CIS Fee
$160 Fingerprints for two
$1000 Notarization, Certification, Authorization
$600 Translation Services
So far, we're up to $19,980 assuming three post adoption reports but I think there's more than that. So, we're talking almost 20grand and there are more fees associated with adoption:
Medical review, medical insurance, travel fees (I'm sure its cheap to fly to Ethiopia and stay a while, right?) airfare, food, incountry transportation, in-country travel coordinators, passport update (wish I could say I did that already), travel visas, immigrant visas, etc.
Why is it so expensive to love a child in need? To give a comparison, here's a run down of Bethany's fees for adoption from Ethiopia:
Total Cost: $20,500-$28,750 (for 2 people traveling)
1. Bethany Fees: $5,400-$10,250(vary by branch - we'd hope to be on the low end). This includes:
Formal Application Fee
Home Study Fee: due at the completion of the Home Study
Program Fee/Administrative Fee: due at Home Study completion
Post-Placement Services Fee: due dates vary by branch
2. Ethiopia Country Fees: $8,500
$6,000 Partial Country Fee: due at dossier submission
$2,500 Remaining Country Fee: due at referral
$6,000 (per sibling) Additional Processing Fees for Siblings Fees due when traveling to Ethiopia:
$400 U.S. Consulate Immigrant Visa Fee
3. Ethiopia Travel Costs: $5,000-$8,000 (approximate costs for 2 people)
Travel from the U.S. to/from Ethiopia: $1,500-$2,500 per person
7-10 Days in Ethiopia: $1,000-$1,500 per person (includes meals and transportation)
4. Miscellaneous Fees: $1,600-$2,000
Immigration and Naturalization Service filing of orphan petition (I 600A): $670
Plus fingerprinting: $80
Notarization, state seal of each document: $100-$200
Authentication: $400
Ethiopia travel visas: ($48 per person)
Certified copies of birth certificates: $40 (varies by state)
Certified copies of marriage certificate: $20 (varies by state)
Doctor’s appointments and immunizations: $160
Passport photos: $40 (Ryan's is up to date)
Again, I'd say, why does it cost so much to love a child?
Agency Fees
$300 Application
$6000 Agency Fee
$1700 Homestudy fee (this amount will likely be higher as AGCI can't do the homestudy in Iowa and will hire someone else)
$350 each Post adoption report
$1000 Post adoption translation and administrative fee
International Service Fee
$7500 for adopting from Ethiopia
Additional US Fees
$670 US CIS Fee
$160 Fingerprints for two
$1000 Notarization, Certification, Authorization
$600 Translation Services
So far, we're up to $19,980 assuming three post adoption reports but I think there's more than that. So, we're talking almost 20grand and there are more fees associated with adoption:
Medical review, medical insurance, travel fees (I'm sure its cheap to fly to Ethiopia and stay a while, right?) airfare, food, incountry transportation, in-country travel coordinators, passport update (wish I could say I did that already), travel visas, immigrant visas, etc.
Why is it so expensive to love a child in need? To give a comparison, here's a run down of Bethany's fees for adoption from Ethiopia:
Total Cost: $20,500-$28,750 (for 2 people traveling)
1. Bethany Fees: $5,400-$10,250(vary by branch - we'd hope to be on the low end). This includes:
Formal Application Fee
Home Study Fee: due at the completion of the Home Study
Program Fee/Administrative Fee: due at Home Study completion
Post-Placement Services Fee: due dates vary by branch
2. Ethiopia Country Fees: $8,500
$6,000 Partial Country Fee: due at dossier submission
$2,500 Remaining Country Fee: due at referral
$6,000 (per sibling) Additional Processing Fees for Siblings Fees due when traveling to Ethiopia:
$400 U.S. Consulate Immigrant Visa Fee
3. Ethiopia Travel Costs: $5,000-$8,000 (approximate costs for 2 people)
Travel from the U.S. to/from Ethiopia: $1,500-$2,500 per person
7-10 Days in Ethiopia: $1,000-$1,500 per person (includes meals and transportation)
4. Miscellaneous Fees: $1,600-$2,000
Immigration and Naturalization Service filing of orphan petition (I 600A): $670
Plus fingerprinting: $80
Notarization, state seal of each document: $100-$200
Authentication: $400
Ethiopia travel visas: ($48 per person)
Certified copies of birth certificates: $40 (varies by state)
Certified copies of marriage certificate: $20 (varies by state)
Doctor’s appointments and immunizations: $160
Passport photos: $40 (Ryan's is up to date)
Again, I'd say, why does it cost so much to love a child?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hello Friends
I started this blog a while back as sort of a journal. Recently, I made a few changes to it and today I changed the status of it so anyone can read. There are a few things I want to share with all of you:
- This is by no means about me. It's about being obedient to God. His Word talks about caring for the orphans and the widows numerous times. I have had a heart for missions and adoption for years and I'm thankful for the opporunity to take this journey
- We are busy like the rest of you. I'm not sure exactly how this process will go but I am sure that it won't happen over night as we're committed to several other things which take time.
- We would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for us.
We don't yet know where exactly God will lead us or through what agency. Those are the details were researching right now. I want to do an international adoption but am currently open to the foster/adopt system as well. Either way, we hope for an infant so that our kids will be older. If you're not familiar with international adoption, each agency has a set list of countries and each country has its own eligibility requirements. Sifting through much of that, we're thinking Ethiopia, which also happens to be a place close to our hearts as we have a friend who is a veterinary missionary there.
Please feel free to ask questions
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Source of Funding
I casually mentioned to Ryan that I wanted to stop investing in my RothIRA and use those funds for the adoption. I couldn't otherwise see how we'd come up with any money for an adoption unless we received financial gifts. He didn't say anything in return.
Today, I asked Ryan specifically about not investing in my RothIRA. Basic discussion ensued and Ryan was hesitant to not invest when investments are "on sale" right now. I do understand the investing thing but I also know that I don't want to wait forever to adopt.
We have currently agreed that I'll invest half of the money to my Roth and half towards the adoption.
I'm so excited to see that money add up enough to start taking steps through this process!
Today, I asked Ryan specifically about not investing in my RothIRA. Basic discussion ensued and Ryan was hesitant to not invest when investments are "on sale" right now. I do understand the investing thing but I also know that I don't want to wait forever to adopt.
We have currently agreed that I'll invest half of the money to my Roth and half towards the adoption.
I'm so excited to see that money add up enough to start taking steps through this process!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Dreaming at Night
For the last 4 or 5 nights I've dreamt about adoption. Last night's dream was so detailed and real feeling. In my dream we picked up an Ethiopian baby that needed a family immediately, skipping the paperwork trail, and brought him home. The dream is a little fuzzy now but I do remember bits and pieces. I remember sitting in the airport and for some reason I couldn't remember the baby's name but I already loved him deeply. I wanted to ask Ryan the name but was embarrassed and had this feeling that he'd forgotten too. Finally one of us remembered; his name was Elias. We took little Elias home and surrounded him with other family and friends that also loved him.
Each night the dream is a little different but each night it does revolve around adoption. I'm not sure if that's just how God is choosing to tug at my heart, or if these are thoughts and emotions stored in my subconscience as I pray and read about adoption.
Regardless, I'm well aware that God has called us to adopt. As I typed this, an old friend called me at the office. I congratulated him on his new baby and we got to talking briefly about kids. I told him that I had two little ones and he replied "well, you were the one who always told me that you were going to adopt!" What sweet words to hear, yet difficult at the same time. God, please use me to be Your hands and feet in loving the orphans and the widows.
Each night the dream is a little different but each night it does revolve around adoption. I'm not sure if that's just how God is choosing to tug at my heart, or if these are thoughts and emotions stored in my subconscience as I pray and read about adoption.
Regardless, I'm well aware that God has called us to adopt. As I typed this, an old friend called me at the office. I congratulated him on his new baby and we got to talking briefly about kids. I told him that I had two little ones and he replied "well, you were the one who always told me that you were going to adopt!" What sweet words to hear, yet difficult at the same time. God, please use me to be Your hands and feet in loving the orphans and the widows.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Adoption funding
Okay, Okay, I admit it... I'm a wanna be graphic designer. Problem is that I can copy anyones ideas but I have a hard time creating my own. With the proper tools I bet I could have a lot of fun... and maybe make enough money to fund our adoption...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Passport Renewal
I finally did it, well sort of...
I went to the Recorder's office to ask about getting my passport renewed. The recorder was very friendly and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I do have to get a brand new passport and pay the whole fee because I changed my name when I married. Grr. We chatted about not needing the passport right away cause we've just started the adoption process. She informed that it would be $110 to re-do my passport and asked if I'd like to do it then. Considering the time, and the fact that I didn't have $110 in my wallet, I said that I'd come back another time.
This morning I received an email from a dear friend that said she did it online and it was only $75. I might be looking into that option instead. Even if the Recorder's office let me bring in my own picture to save $10, there would still be a $25 difference. I'll have to do some more digging on the internet about passports.
I went to the Recorder's office to ask about getting my passport renewed. The recorder was very friendly and answered all my questions. Unfortunately I do have to get a brand new passport and pay the whole fee because I changed my name when I married. Grr. We chatted about not needing the passport right away cause we've just started the adoption process. She informed that it would be $110 to re-do my passport and asked if I'd like to do it then. Considering the time, and the fact that I didn't have $110 in my wallet, I said that I'd come back another time.
This morning I received an email from a dear friend that said she did it online and it was only $75. I might be looking into that option instead. Even if the Recorder's office let me bring in my own picture to save $10, there would still be a $25 difference. I'll have to do some more digging on the internet about passports.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)