So much has happened since the last post. I don't even know where to begin, so I'll just begin by praising God for His amazing faithfulness and provision. The moment that we answered the call to adopt, we did so knowing that God was going to have to provide in very big ways. Looking back over the last five months, I am amazed by just how much God has done in such a short time. Through what we have been able to save, plus the gifts of so many who have come alongside of us, we have been able to raise over $8,000 toward our adoption. We are so thankful to God and so humbled by the support of others.
A few weeks ago, our Faith Family (FBC Oceanway) celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day by giving an opportunity for people to give towards our adoption. I can't even begin to tell you how overwhelmed and humbled we were by their support. God not only provides in monetary ways, but He also provides through the blessing of relationships. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for our Faith Family and for their love for us.
To top it off, we also were notified back in August that someone had anonymously paid for our family to go on a cruise. Therefore we have spent that past few days being pampered by Carnival Cruise Line and we've also eaten way too much. Although this might not seem like it fits into our story, I can assure you that it does. About a week before we were notified about the cruise, we had a conversation with our girls about some sacrifices that we would have to make as we raised money for the adoption. One of the things that we discussed was that we would not be able to do a lot of family trips for a while. A week later we were reminded that we serve a God that blesses us in more ways than we could ever imagine.
Therefore, to put it all together, as of today this is where we stand with our adoption fees:
Application Fee: $125 (PAID)
Home Study Application: $300 (PAID)
Program Management Fee #1: $3,500 (PAID)
Refundable Home Study Deposit: $500 (PAID)
Home Study Cost: $2,250 (PAID)
Miscellaneous Fees: $7,500 (Raised $1,500)
Program Management Fee #2: $3,500
Dossier Fees: $750
International Fee: $5,000
Child's Medical And Visa Fees: $600
Travel and Accommodation Fees: $6,000
We still have a long way to go (in both the adoption process and adoption funding) but we step into the future knowing the ONE who is already there. Praise God from whom all blessings flow and thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and supported the child that God has for us.
