Prayer

It has been a good week to be praying, though not often enough, for Ghana, the orphans there and for Carla while on her trip. She should be back home now and I'm eager to hear from her.

It's been a difficult week as well. At one point I wanted to go back to adopting from Ethiopia because even though I've not been there, its familiar to me. But this week I've also been learning alot about God calling us, commanding us actually, to be radical for him. To step outside of what's comfortable. Without a doubt, I know a deep love will grow in my heart for Ghana. I just need to give it time. To read, to learn. I also debated on considering other agencies. Perhaps we still will. But after this morning, God is giving me a little peace for the journey. Seems like I think of these other options (Ethiopia, other agencies, foster-adopt) and the Lord keeps bringing me back to Ghana.

Lord, I don't know what you have in store for Your glory here, but I'm excited to be a part of it!

To date, I don't have a clue how much money we have saved up for our first payments to be sent with the contract. I'm a little frustrated about that but know that it takes time. I have an idea or two for fundraising. I think those will be small dollar items but every little bit helps.

In the meantime Lord, I will continue to come before You, asking for Your will. And Lord, would you bless the mommy who gives up her child. And would you bless the children that lose their mommies. Lord, would you put it on more people's hearts to care for the orphans and widows!

I'm so excited

Yesterday I spoke on the phone with Victoria about adoption options through Russia. I was a bit nervous that I would be torn between multiple countries. Our conversation was perfect in that I knew that Russia wasn't the option for us. See, we're trying to do a debt-free adoption and Russia's country fee alone is $23k. Yeah, a little steep for our shallow pockets.

We're also getting ready to commit to About A Child for our adoption journey to Ghana Africa. In fact, I was just on their website to fill out the service agreement but couldn't access it. Maybe tomorrow.

Tired of warming up and ready to run,
TB

About A Child Fee Info

$4,000 Case Management ($2k due with service agreement, $2k with dossier submission)
$ 900 Home Study ($250 fee if someone else provides)
$ 400 Post Placement Report ($200 ea. done at 30 days and 12 months)
Travel for Homestudy & PPR is $0.35/mile plus $10/hr travel time
$ 8,500 Ghana Program ($10k for siblings...c'mon twins. $2k at dossier submisison, $6,500 when travel arranged))
$ 830 USCIS I-600 (permission to adopt form) (670 + 80 per fingerprinting)
$ 300 Medical/police clearances, marriage license, birth cert, other dossier documents
$ 500 Authentication (notary and apostile/cert)
$ 400 DS-230 (child's immigrant visa)
$ 100 Child's medical eval for DS-230

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.