The Cost

Since starting our adoption journey we have been asked quite a few times about the cost of adoption. Most people are shocked when we tell them how much it will cost to bring both boys home. To tell you the truth, Tim and I were also taken aback when we first discovered the cost of adoption. We agree that it is a large amount of money. I think most people would also agree that there is NO cost too high to spare when you consider that this is the life of two children that we are talking about. For those that are curious, here is the breakdown of our expected costs, minus airfare, lodging and other expenses for our trip to China:

$4,ooo Adoption agency fees
$3,900 International processing fee
$400-700 Dossier documenting fees
$1,500 Overseas processing fee
$10,180 (2 children/orphanages) Required orphanage donation
$1,500 In-country legal expenses
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approximately $21,480 with travel, lodging, etc added to that.

Sadly, these incredible costs often deter many from even considering adding to their family by this means. We certainly are not wealthy and our personal finances are limited, but we know that God is bigger than finances! We also know that He has a special place in His heart for orphans. James 1:27 tells us that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Keeping this in mind, we are confident that He has put us on THIS path, championing the cause of THESE particular orphans, and that He will be faithful to provide the resources to get our sweet boys home. How exactly? We aren't sure, but we are excited to see how He is going to work out His plan.

All that to say, we are not going to take a passive stance and wait for others to act while we do nothing on our own behalf. We have already been working hard to raise funds and are actively looking for ways to pay for the adoption. One thing we have done so far is a garage sale that we had in December. Friends and family donated items for us to sale and we were able to raise $700. It was so fun for Tim and I to share that experience with our children and for them to witness God's provision through the hearts of those that donated and those that purchased items. We have also been blessed to receive a couple of generous donations from friends and family and plan to apply for grants once our home study is completed. We have a few ideas for fundraisers that we would like to try and are looking for more ideas if anyone has any that they would like to share. Of course, above all we are trusting God to provide for His children to find their way home. After all, He loves them even more than we do and His plan for them is a good one.

"For I know the plans I have for you ," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."~ Jeremiah 29:11


In His Grip,