Concerning the Button

Adoption is pricey. Ever since we first started looking into adopting a child, we wondered how we'd finance it. I researched fundraisers, grants, and projects that would help us achieve our desired goal. Three years ago, when we originally embarked on this journey, we sent a letter to friends and family asking for prayer that God would provide in a major monetary way. Many of those individuals responded with donations to our adoption fund. I was thankful, humbled, and amazed. And then I found out I was pregnant. I returned the money to all who would accept it back. I don't want to send another letter out. Most of the people it was sent to are aware that we're adopting and are praying--I hope. And this time our process should be considerably less than the projected $32,000 that our Ukraine adoption would have cost. We've decided to adopt domestically from a ministry in California. It will still be more than we have.

Don't get me wrong, we have enough to clothe, feed and care for the child once s/he's here. It's just that we don't have enough up front to pay the listing and legal fees and the potential birth mother fees. Our homestudy should be completed any day now. We've done all we can do on our side and now we're just waiting for a finalized copy. In October we have a meeting and, at that point, a hefty sum is due. After that, we wait. I've been told that, in the meantime, I should raise funds. Once our homestudy is finalized we can apply for grants but, honestly, our decision to adopt domestically will probably keep us out of the running for most of those. After wracking my brain for ways I could raise money, I've decided to put a donation button on my blog, among other things. If you are the type that is severely (or even moderately) offended by donation buttons, please understand that I do not expect anyone to give to our cause. I also realize that this particular blog does not receive a whole lot of foot traffic and that's okay. What I am hoping to achieve by the button is a dollar here or there. I'm also hoping that, by having it at the top of the page, my six avid readers will remember to pray for our process and for our finances. If you ever feel led to skip your morning latte or donate that dollar you found on the street, please consider our fund. I assure you that any money raised here will go into a bank account set up for our adoption and will be used to pay for adoption related expenses.

As always, we truly covet your prayers. I will continue to keep you updated on our progress.