Adoption Update//January2013

We shared a little last night at our small group about how quickly everything seems to be going so far with the adoption. The adoption cost is an estimated $25,000-30,000. We have already raised (and nearly spent at this point) $6,000 through my canvases, babysitting, garage sale, adoption magnets and the give-a-away we did. Because of some extra expense with updating our homestudy from domestic to international, running background checks at a higher level, and the cost of a new placement agency, most of that money has been spent.

Our next step is passports, which we are doing today. Then we want to finish compiling our dossier by the end of February. This consists of more tb tests, physicals, certified and notarized papers of everything about our existence. :)  Once we get our dossier compiled and re-do what needs done, we send it to be translated into French. During this we are taking classes about international adoption (which are very cool!).

Still, we are unsure of the exact timeline, but the process is going rather quickly. $8,000 is due at the time of turning in our dossier. Broken down: $3000 agency fee (guiding us through this process, finding lawyers in the DRC, helping us with the legal process here and translating) $5000 international fee (to accept our dossier) Are we crazy? Maybe. $8,000 by the end of February? That's our goal! :) Truly though, we cannot turn in our dossier until we have $8000. It may not happen by the end of February but that is when our paperwork will be ready.

We aren't finished there. At the time of accepting the referral of a child, we will have to pay the remainder of the international fees, which will be between $9,000-$17,000.

Now, do you think we are crazy? :) We know this does sound like a lot of money. And for one child. A lot of people will ask why. But, God has called us to this, we have been adopted as sons and daughters of the King. We are called to share His love. We may not be able to "save the world" but to this child, our child, God's child, it matters. It is the difference between life and death. It may be the difference between knowing God's love and not. It's giving this one child a family. It is a sacrifice, not only for us, but for you as you give your time and money to help us. But, really, how much does that matter? When we look at what Christ has given to us, our sacrifice seems small.

The canvases and adoption magnets are still for sale. We are looking to do a few small fundraisers. As soon as I have details, I will share them with you. Please pray for us, pray for wisdom, patience and guidance as we go through this process. We are very excited, but we know we have a long way to go.

Thank you friends, for taking time to read this. Thank you for your support throughout our lives. God has really blessed us in so many ways. We love you all!

In Christ,

Jeff and Tiffany