One step at a time: The kindness of strangers

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more 

than we could ask or imagine, according to 

His power that is at work within us.

Ephesians 3:20

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We have had our fundraising websites up for almost two weeks and have bombarded your facebook pages with adoption announcements and updates. And even though this is completely NOT me -- I never like to bug, annoy, bombard, badger, plead, or beg -- I can't deny that little by little we are getting there. 

THANK YOU to those who have shared and liked and joined us on this fundraising adventure. We could not do it without you.

We have received three large donations from complete strangers which has brought us to tears together. Two are completely anonymous. One from a friend of a friend, whom we have never met. It has been amazing to see how God has used facebook and these websites. So we urge you to keep sharing. You never know who might be impacted.

I've been brain storming with the good man and my sister, Bean, about how to make clear the need without overwhelming others. Let's be honest, there is no clear cut adoption process, nor is there a flat rate cost. The fees are dependent upon SO many factors. So, I'm not even going to try. But I will give you the basics, again and again, because I'm sure you won't remember after just once (I sure as heck didn't!) while I update you on our goals. 

I hope this sharing of finances and goals and constant updating doesn't deter you from following. But be assured that while I may refer to this summary often, I will only link it in the future. We both believe it is important that you, who have chosen to join us on this journey, are aware of this often overwhelming, yet miraculous area of adoption. That you may know where your donation is going, how your support keeps us going. And above all, that adoption happens all the time, but it's not always simple and easy. 

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ADOPTION FEE SUMMARY

I. God's Children Adoption Agency Fees for all adoptions:
     1. Application Fee:                                                              $100 (completed)
     2. Home Study Fee:                                                            $3000 
        ($1500 due at first visit, $1500 due at second.)
          a. Background checks:                                                   $140
          b. Fingerprinting:                                                           $20
     3. Post Placement Visit Fee:                                                 $1200 
       (case manager checks up on new family to make sure the transition is smooth or in normal range, 
          assistance is given in areas of need) 

TOTAL due before approval:                                                    $4460

Milestone: HOME STUDY APPROVED (once above figure is paid)

* Now able to apply for grants

A fork in the road:

II. Fees dependent upon other agencies and adoption process:

DOMESTIC INFANT                                                       WAITING CHILDREN

*profile viewed by birth moms                                           * able to inquire about children

4. Placement fee:            $15,000-$25,000                           4. Placement fee: $0 (state pays)

5. Travel (two week stay): $1000                                        5. Travel (two week stay): $1000

TOTAL:                            >$25, 460               TOTAL:               >$5,460
           
Of course, both roads have their "benefits" and "concerns" and both roads are possible realities for us. So as much as we'd like to solely pursue waiting children, we feel if there is an infant God will provide when we need him. And it is important to remain transparent about this need and the provision. Amazing things happen when adoption is on the table, and we would love to share that with you!

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                                      Donations received as of today: $1,300
                                      Percentage to goal: 25% 
                                      Needed to reach goal: $3700

We are a quarter of the way there! And I am certain that we haven't yet seen the amazing things God will do and the miraculous ways he will provide. When it comes to children, especially orphans, nothing can stand in His way.