1) We are now waiting to get registered with CARA (India's Adoption Authority). Once that takes place, we will be one step closer to being matched with our son.
2) This also means that we are now able to apply for grants. We are praying that God will grant us favor in these endeavors.
3) This means that we are able to begin working on our dossier, which is a collection of
documents that are necessary to meet the legal requirement for adoption from a foreign country
as well as the immigration requirement of the U.S. Government. Basically this document is the
presentation of our family to the Indian Adoption Authority.
4) This means that a LOT of money is now due! This includes:
- $3,500 for our 2nd Program Management Fee
- $500 for a Refundable Deposit to our Agency
- $1,250 for U.S. Government Fees
- $750 for our Dossier
As we were celebrating the arrival of our Home Study Documents, we were quickly reminded of the financial realities of adoption. $6,000 does not just seem like a hill to us, but like a gigantic mountain. Yet in the midst of every worry and doubt, we have a promise from God that He will continue to provide. From the very moment that we surrendered to the call to adopt, we have seen God provide in unimaginable ways. We thank God for those who have locked arms with us through prayer, financial support and timely encouragement. We are beyond blessed by the wonderful support group that God has given us.
There are three ways that you can continue to support our family. The first (and most important way) is through prayer. Please pray that God would continue to prepare our family for the journey ahead; provide for the costs associated with this journey; and pray that God would continue to wrap His arms around our son until we are able to hold him in ours. The second and third ways are financially. We will continue to offer our puzzle fundraiser until every piece has been sold. See the link below for more information.
We also just began our 2nd Fundraiser: FREEZER PLEASER RAFFLE. We are raffling off a brand new IDYLIS 5 CU-FT Chest Freezer filled with 30 meals that have been prepared by some amazing family members and friends. We are currently selling raffle tickets for $5 a piece, or 5 tickets for $20. We will hold the drawing on March 15th. If you would be interested in purchasing a ticket(s), you can either contact us in person, on Facebook or by email (micahstrickland@comcast.net). If you would be interested in helping us sell tickets please let us know.
Again, we are so thankful for the amazing people that God has placed in our lives to walk alongside us on this journey.
"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute."
- Psalm 82:3
