Counting the Cost

So, what exactly is our adoption costing? Why are we fundraising?

I don't usually dive into our financial matters, particularly what we spend on things, with other people. But this is different. We're asking for financial help, and so I think it only fair and helpful that you see what your financial help is going toward. We're not simply handing over money in exchange for two children. There is a LOT involved (lots of people, paperwork, time, meetings, etc), and it all costs money.

Passports (2) $270 paid

Home Study Fee $1650  paid

Adoption Training Courses (required for home study) $185 paid

FBI Clearances (required for home study) $100 paid

Child Abuse Background Checks (required for home study) $20 paid

Reece's Rainbow Voice of Hope Fund $250 paid

Reece's Rainbow FSP fee $25 paid

USCIS Fees $890 paid

Marriage Certificates $35 paid

State Police Clearance $30 paid

Various Postage $200 paid

Apostille Fees $450 paid

Round Trip Travel to Europe (2) $2500

Facilitation Fees $9000 $2500 of this - paid

Travel in Country $500

Child's Medical Appt for Visa $110

Child's Visa Application $230

Child's Passport and Expedition Fees $600 

Living in Europe for 5 weeks $3500

Travel to America $800

Travel Items $250 

Emergency Fund $1000

Estimate for 1 child $22,595. For an additional child, add approx. $4,000. So we're looking at approx. $26,595 for our girls' adoptions. And there are always other miscellaneous costs that come up.

That is a lot of money and is why we are fundraising. We simply do not have that kind of money laying around, though we have already paid some, have some and are currently selling things and saving everything possible.

We simply cannot put a price tag on our children. THEY cost nothing. They are priceless. The adoption process is what costs money.

The bottom line is this. When God says "Go!" we go knowing that if He tells us to go that He will provide. Somehow. Someway. As some of my adoptive mama friends say, "God's will, God's bill."

And what is the cost of not adopting? Well, according to the stats, 60% or more of the girls who age out will end up in sex trafficking. 70% of the boys will be criminals. 10-15% will not make it to their 18 birthdays because they will commit suicide. There are many other hard facts/stats. These are a few.

The cost of not adopting these children far outweighs any amount of money we will spend to get our girls home.

Thank you so much for helping us! And if you can't help financially or don't feel led to do so, that is ok!! We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and encouragement so much!!

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