It's been pretty busy around here!! Kids have all started back at school and having a good year so far. Soon we will be going to PA to celebrate Aunt B's wedding and after that fall is on its way. I AM SO READY. Fall is my favorite season because the air is so crisp and fresh, the temperature is perfect, and the falling leaves are just beautiful.
Still plugging away on the phone cases. I have been so overwhelmed with thankfulness for all the support from friends and family. So far, I calculate we have made roughly $275 towards the adoption costs! There is still a long way to go, but this is a great start!
A lot of people have asked me about the process and about where we are at. So let me explain what's going on so far. We have pretty much decided on the agency we will be using. I've spoken with the director of the China program on numerous occasions and have done a lot of research so far to get a better idea of what we should be expecting during the process.
I have a rough outline of the expected costs and program fees which include travel and visas, lodging, governmental agency fees in the US and in China, etc. Roughly, we are looking at $26,000-32,000 in total cost. A lot of people ask me why the cost is so high. All I can say is that there is a substantial amount of red tape and paperwork involved and each time paperwork is processed, it comes with a fee. This doesn't speak to the travel costs and lodging while overseas and the visas and passports for ourselves and our adopted child.
Fortunately, there are a lot of programs in place to help offset adoption costs. We plan on applying for several grants and we even have a little bit of frequent flyer miles and such to use towards travel. And of course, I have been making and selling my artwork which has been a great start! While the cost is high, we are confident God will make a way and help us to raise most of the funds through selling products or fundraising and of course, grant programs. Please keep us in your prayers!
My general plan (and I say that lightly because I know all too well how God likes to change our plans) is to raise the initial $5,000 by January of 2016. This amount will cover our agency application fees, fingerprinting and background checks, home study, and parenting education that we are required to take. Most importantly, once the home study is complete and approved, we are then eligible to apply and receive adoption subsidy grants, which we will be pursuing as quickly as possible. We CANNOT apply for grants and subsidies until the home study is complete.
I will be sure to let everyone know when we have hit a goal for the fundraising process. As I mentioned earlier, we have made nearly $300 towards the initial goal of $500, which is our first goal. Super exciting!! Having small goals helps me to stay focused and encouraged.
I will be continuing to sell my custom made cell phone cases, paintings, and other artwork and over the next few months will be participating in holiday craft fairs and festivals. In addition, I have an Etsy shop open and have some of my work visible on Facebook. Thanks again for all your awesome support and prayers! We are so excited for this journey to begin and know God will be with us each step of the way.
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