What's going on...

     Yesterday we paid our $200 and registered for our 10 hour online Adoption class and we have 8 weeks to complete it. I thought we'd get to do it together but each of us have to take this class separately and then will both receive a certificate at the end. I did about two hours of it yesterday and it has some really neat video clips and information. I look forward to moving forward and learning new things! We are waiting on a family coordinator to be assigned to us so we can continue to move forward and start the home studies. We have typed up a letter to send out to our families and friends asking them for prayers and donations. It is hard to ask for money when we know everyone is in the same financial hardship as us but we also know it doesn't hurt to ask! So, if you don't receive a letter from us in a week or so and would like one, please send us your address and we will get one to you! We ask that you please keep praying for us on this journey and we will continue to keep everyone up to date! :o)

Crafting for Adopting

I know most people have already seen this on Facebook but I wanted to put it on the blog for those that might not have! Allan and I have started making crafts and are trying to sell them to raise money for the adoption. So far we have made lots of earrings, cross-stitched bookmarks and picture frames, and wooden picture frames. Check out our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafting-for-Adopting/332534806771114 when you have a chance. Also, we'd love to hear your (Positive) comments about the blog, about the crafts or just in general! Thanks! :o)

What the money is going to...

I've had a few people asking me why it costs so much to adopt and where all that money is going so I thought I'd post it so you can see!This is the website that I copied it from: http://www.awaa.org/programs/ethiopia/cost.aspx

APPLICATION & DOSSIER BUILDING

Application Fee

$250

1st Installment of Program Fee

$1,500

Home Study (varies by state)

$1,200 - $2,500

Additional Home Study Documentation Prep. Fee (varies by process)

$0 - $100

Home Study Visit Travel Fees
(could include mileage, etc. based on current federal mileage rates)

$0 - $200

Adoptive Parent Training (2 adults)

$175

Documents/Background Checks/Miscellaneous
(varies by state and number of states previously lived in)

$100 - $1,000

USCIS Fee & Update Fee + Fingerprinting

$890

Notarization, Certification & Authentication (varies by state)

$400

DOSSIER SUBMISSION & WAITING

Courier Service

$150

2nd Installment of Program Fee

$2,000

Post Adoption Report Deposit
(fully refundable if all post-adoption reports are returned on time)

$1,000

Dossier Service & Translation

$800

1/2 International Program Fee (1 child) •••

$3,750

REFERRAL & TRAVEL

International Specialist Consultation (varies by specialist)

$100 - $400

3rd Installment of Program Fee

$1,500

Post Adoption Administrative Fee

$385

1/2 International Program Fee (1 child) •••

$3,750

Trip 1 - Airfare (2 adults; prices will vary by season and location)

$2,400 - $4,000

Trip 1 - In-Country Travel Package (2 adults) ••••

$1,400 - $2,500

Trip 1 - Visas (2 adults)

$40

Trip 2 - Airfare (2 adults; prices will vary by season and location)

$2,400 - $4,000

Trip 2 - Airfare
(1 child; prices will vary by season, location and ticket - ie: lap pass or child seat)

$250 - $1,000

Trip 2 - In-Country Travel Package (2 adults) ••••

$1,000 - $2,000

Trip 2 - Visas (2 adults)

$40

Visa/Embassy Fee (1 child) •••••

$404

POST ADOPTION

Post Adoption Visits (varies by state)••

$600 - $1,300

Post Adoption Visit Travel Fees
(varies by state and location from social worker)

$0 - $300