Now, I want to first say that I am NO expert. This is our first adoption and it's not even complete yet. So please, no criticizing. I'm just telling it like it's happened to us.
Financing an adoption. What I've heard from most people when I answer the infamous "So, how much will it cost you for this adoption?" question is a gasp. Well, either a gasp or .....a gasp. Then it's "I can't believe it costs so much!" "Why does it cost so much?" People, truthfully I don't know. There is SO much paperwork, fingerprinting (costs $), background checks (cost $), passports (cost $), certified marriage licenses and birth certificates, etc, etc....all cost money. Our "total" includes all these things, our homestudy, travel, lodging estimates, a wonderful facilitator to act on our behalf- the whole shebang (is that how you spell that?).
So, do you want to know our estimated adoption cost? $24,000! GASP!! Remember, the whole shebang. And SHE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!
When speaking to people about adoption, I hear over and over "we just can't adopt because of finances". Guess what? Neither could we! But God has provided and we totally trust He will continue to provide. Let me show you what I mean.
Our total cost $24,000
- 5,350 Ruslana's grant from Reece's Rainbow
- 2,000 first yard sale
-1,800 second yard sale
- 150 online raffle
-1,000 anonymous donation through our church
- 515 anonymous donation from ANOTHER ADOPTING FAMILY
- 200 donations to our Family Sponsorship Page on RR
- 300 generous gifts from family
-10,000 generous gift from family friend
$21, 315 total amount raised and grant from RR
And I want to tell you that this is ALL through GOD!! He continues to show us day after day that He is in control of this adoption. Not only because of the overwhelming support we are receiving, but also because of the people we are crossing paths with. We are able to share our story, HIS story, with people we may have missed otherwise.
So, I say to each of you who thinks that there is no way you will ever be able to adopt because of financial constraints- PRAY!! Pray like you never have before and wait on our Almighty God to open doors. Many doors may be slammed shut in your face before you are invited in, but when you are invited, GO! God will move mountains and provide every penny you need. We are living proof of that.
In Him,
E
7 comments:
Gasp! That's amazing!
That is so awesome!! Your right...often the first thought when considering adoption is the cost. But over and over I hear the stories of friends who talk about how God provided. He is so much bigger than money! My heart is so happy after reading this word of encouragement. My husband and I are both interested in possibly adopting one day. We don't know when, from where, etc., but we have a heart for these sweet little ones that need a home. We just need to start praying! I look forward to seeing God provide for ya'll!!
We waited nine years to have the full funds for our first adoption. We started our second adoption without a penny and brought our girl home only 18 months after our first adoption. God's will is God's bill! Thanks for the encouragement to those who are still held back from adopting by financial concerns! God Bless!
He IS faithful.
The key is discerning God's will verses OUR will. It can be tricky when we WANT something so badly to step ahead of God. Sadly, I have seen people do that and then get mad at God for not supplying.
When God says yes...we need to step out in faith and totally trust Him.
And sometimes, for some of us, it requires just as much faith to trust Him when He says No, or Wait.
That is such an awesome amount! I got chills seeing howmuch you have already raised. Isn't it awesome what God can do when you listen to His call? I can't wait for you to get to EE and hold that angel in your arms, I can't even begin to describe to you how awesome a feeling it is!
wooohooo---GO GOD!!!! I absolutely love those figures. NOTHING is impossible for our God--NOTHING! It absolutely brings tears to my eyes. Look what He has done for you--after everything you have been through in the last few months. How faithful is our God???? Wow, my friend. Rejoicing with you.
amazing testimony! blessings
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