the how much

Yup, it's time to talk that four letter word: money. Ya know, we aren't real big fans of it, generally speaking. No really. The one thing I undoubtedly knew before marrying Adam was that we would never be the millionaires next door, nor would we ever attempt to be. We just don't like the stuff. Plain and simple. Not the desire for it, not it. It's just too bad we all need it to live. 

Over the years we've made some sensible decisions regarding our finances – thanks to Adam. I mentioned I married a debt Nazi, no? Well, it's true. Our cars have been paid off for 5 years. We have no major credit card debt, we’ve worked and paid our way through school, and we pretty much pay off bills the same day they come in.  It may seem like we’re rolling in dough, when actually we just utilize the resources God has given us. For instance, when we plan our extra special family outings, parties, crafts even, Adam usually pays for it with a day of overtime. I do too.

The point is we've worked hard for everything we own. (I say WE because even though I don't provide financially, I provide virtually everything else. can I get a amen, mamas?) But now, sigh, the real work begins. This adoption ride has us on our knees for more reasons than we can count. We are completely and utterly dependent on God at every single bump/curve/fork in this road. Concerning funds, we haven’t a dime to pay for it. We’re basically flying by the seat of our pants here leaning on the age old adage, ‘Where God guides, God provides’ and hoping/praying/trusting He will deliver. We are believing Him. And I gotta say, I have never known faith like I do right now. I can’t see a damn thing. But I am one of His sheep, I hear His voice, and I know I am not alone.

Having said that… we're compelled to ask everyone we know to play a part in bringing our baby girl home. They say it takes a village to raise a child… well it takes more than a village to adopt one. We have to come up with, ready for this?, F-O-U-R-T-Y  T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D dollars (give or take) throughout the course of (approximately) a year. Fortunately, it’s not a lump sum collected the day we carry her out of there, rather, a gradual bleed that adds up fast.

Soliciting you, or anyone for that matter, is kind of, well… humiliating. We’ve always been on the other side of that equation. And with that, there is maybe just a smidge of pride to repent from. With the response of friends and family offering help through donations and fundraising, God has had to humble some of what we’ve exalted in our lives thus far. Truly, receiving can be harder than giving. But since praying for God to prepare us to parent Elizabeth, the pruning sheers are out and it's painful, not pretty.

So let me expand on where the money goes:

 Three 5-7 day trips to a country in Eastern Europe are required to bring Elizabeth home.

Adoption Expenses             Estimated

Hand In Hand          

Application                     $    375.00

Due w/ dossier                  $  2,500.00

Organization/website            $    275.00

Other Fees     

USCIS I-600A                    $   1500.00

Biometrics                      $    160.00

Home Study                      $   2250.00

Post Placement Study            $   1200.00

Certified Docs                  $    250.00

Verfication of Docs             $   1000.00

Parent Psych Eval               $    840.00

Due with dossier                $  1,000.00

Estimated Before Travel     $ 11,350.00

After 1st trip- HIH             $  1,925.00

1st trip                        $  3,750.00

2nd trip                        $  3,750.00

Gifts                           $    200.00

Visas                           $  1,000.00

Med Exam in country             $  1,700.00

In country car                  $  3,150.00

Authentification paperwork      $    100.00

Airfare adults                  $  9,000.00

Airfare child                   $  1,500.00

Apartment                       $  2,500.00

Meals                           $  1,200.00

Child Med Exam                  $    150.00

Child Pass/Photo                $    120.00

Child Visa                      $    400.00

Estimated from Travel date   $30,445.00

Estimated Total Expenses     $41,795.00
     

     

      Whew! You still there? I bet you can you feel my excitement as you read past each dollar sign. But want to know what God told me from the start, even before i had fee schedules in hand? "Do not look at dollar signs." 

     "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves" 2 Corinthians 4:7 

     I have no doubt that He will be glorified through His amazing provision. On that note, I will have some fundraisers set up soon. Don't miss it!

     And one more thing, I humbly ask, please consider giving to Elizabeth's grant fund. Any amount will do, as every penny counts! There is a widget set up on the side bar.. THANK YOU A HUNDRED TIMES OVER! I know many won't feel lead to give and that is OKAY. Prayer is money in our case! So is sharing her story - on your blog, facebook or by word of mouth. You just never know how many more starfish might be saved through your efforts. 

Sincerely, thank You.