For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Counting the Cost

One of the things people ask when they hear we’re adopting internationally is “Isn’t it expensive?” Short answer “Yes” Longer answer “Yes very!” According to our agency it will cost approximately $24000-29000 (this includes most fees, donations to the orphanage and travel expenses) to adopt 1 child from Ethiopia.  We’re hoping to adopt siblings…so at least 2… That will not double the cost as some expenses are a one time thing like home study (actually not calculated in the above estimate) and fingerprinting, but some things are like passports, visas and airline tickets per child. So our tab will end up being more than the estimate.  Like most people we don’t have that kind of money just sitting around. We’re not entirely sure where it’s all going to come from. What we do know is that our God has led us on this journey and that he will provide as he sees fit.  We also know that He has a heart for the orphan, that we are commanded to care for them and this is how we feel led to do so.  We have started saving on our own and cutting back here and there.  I’ve opened an Etsy shop and we’re selling Just Love coffee through our blog.  We’re planning on doing some fundraisers like selling shirts and once our home study is done we’ll be applying for grants through ShowHope and Lifesong.  I've added a paypal donation button to our blog so if you feel led to donate to our adoption fund it will be easy to do so.  It’s hard to ask for help….John and I have gone back and forth on that aspect of our adoption….it boils down to a pride issue. We know we can not do it on our own.  John met someone recently who had adopted siblings from Rwanda and he told him his biggest regret was not asking for/allowing people to help them financially.  As believers, we are all called to care for the orphan, for some that means adoption, for others that means orphan care and for others that means helping financially.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Adoption update...or lack of one

A friend asked me recently "So what's going on with your adoption because you haven't posted anything lately" Basically we're still in the middle of paperwork. We've gotten our physicals done and have the paperwork to the boys' pediatrician so that can get filled out. I've requested several documents and am just waiting for them to get here. We're working on our autobiographies and then there are getting our reference letter info sent out and drawing out the floor plan of our house, emergency evacuation plans and financial info. My original goal was to have most of it done by the end of July...well...this summer we've been enjoying having the boys out of school and just hanging out. It'll all get done...eventually.

It's been amazing to see how God has been working. Since we announced our adoption He has led us to several new friendships and a new support network. He keeps placing people in our paths that just continue to encourage us on this journey.

The boys are still excited about the whole thing and pray often for "our children in Ethiopia" We've had a lot of talks lately about some of the hardships orphans face...even those who find new families and it's been sweet to hear them talk about ways to help and love them through it all.


We appreciate your continued prayers. Please also pray for the adoptive families and their waiting children affected by the courts closing in Ethiopia during the rainy season and delays with the American embassy.