Domestic Adoption Agency- Info Seminar

Ryan and I attended an informational seminar on Saturday. This was a seminar on Open Adoption through a big agency. I had done lots of research online and they seem to have very good repertoire. The facilitator was wonderful. She kept it all upbeat but realistic. There were about 12 couples there of various ages and orientations present. Ryan and I happened to be one of the youngest. The seminar was very informative and it really gave you an idea of the entire process beginning to end and realistic time frame.

Ryan really likes the idea of Open Adoption, after it was explained fully.  It really is a good process for all involved, but especially the child. The Birth Mother contacts the agency and is sent a bundle of Adoptive Parent profiles that fit her preferences. She then gets to chose the Adoptive Parents. A meeting is set up between the two parties, where they get to spend time together getting to know one another. Should both parties agree, they are then considered matched and then proceed on with the adoption plan. At anytime the Birth Mother could changer her mind and decide to parent, but the chances of that happen are about 7% on average.

The agency seems to really care about both sides, they offer unlimited support for all involved. Should a match fall through, no money is lost with the agency. The Birth Mother expenses, travel fees and any other fees paid to any other entity are lost, but most are at least tax deductible. No matter what life is a gamble, there are no guarantees. So pray for us. Pray for guidance, knowledge and open hearts and eyes.

Dy

The Talk....

So Ryan and I had the "talk" the other night. Ryan had surprised me with a night out to Olive Garden for dinner. Which while it broke my normal diet routine....it was worth it! YUMMY.

Ryan and I talked about how we see our future. We both want children and are both wanting children now. We have agreed to continue to try for a natural child, but we are going to go forward with adoption also. We both feel that God wants us to adopt. The average time for a referral is on average 3 years, give or take a few months. We will be attending an informational session on Domestic Adoption. Not sure what route we will be taking.

Before our night out, I had been spending hours collecting information on domestic and international adoption. I was checking agencies, states, countries; pretty much anything I could find. I was reading blogs and forums and even yahoo groups to gain info to bring to Ryan.

With everything that I have found, the cost is the biggest obstacle we face. Domestic adoption ranges from $15,000-$50,000. International is pretty much in the same range, $20,000- $50,000. Domestic costs vary from state to state and from agency to agency, but the average seems to be hovering around $25,000. International adoption costs mostly seem to vary by Country. The average being about $35,000.

While this seems to be an astronomical amount (about the cost of a new car), we have the faith that God will provide. He won't give us anything that we cannot handle. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a great example. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He make your paths smooth.

There are so many example of God's promises to us. He commands that we care for the fatherless and help the widows. So Ryan and I are taking our step of faith and following God's call to us. THE CALL TO LOVE.
Even if we can only make the difference in one child's life... that is one more heart to be saved for eternity.

While we are not fully sure if we are doing Domestic or International, we won't be announcing the country we have chosen if we go through international, but I will leave you with a fact or two and a picture.

1) This is an Eastern European Country

2) This country is Europe's 14th Largest Country

I'm in the planning stage. Narrowed it down to 3 International agencies and 2 home study agencies and 1 domestic agency that does it all. I've a list of great fundraising ideas. Including one for t-shirts and hoodies! I have even designed a few custom designs for them =)

While Ryan and I have a few steps to take before we can officially sign with an agency... the hope and plan is in motion. Prayers are very much welcomed!

The Call to Love

Ryan and I had decided to try one last time for a natural born child. So far my body isn't fully cooperating (no surprise there).I'm all about having a family. I would love to be able to carry my own child.... but for the past several months I keep coming back to adoption. I feel this yearning on my heart, a Call you could say, to adopt. Every time I think about Domestic or International adoption.... I keep being pulled to International, specifically. God doesn't put anything on our hearts without a reason.

"Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me." Matthew 18:5

Please pray for us. I am not sure why I feel the way I do, but I know its in my heart. It is not an easy or cheap route to adding to our family. I think most International adoptions cost around $33,000. Parents are required to make 2 trips to the country. Each stay is about 7 days with 3-5 months in between meeting the child and then bringing the child home.

My heart breaks for each and every orphan. Some will never know the love of a family or the love from their Heavenly Father. As believers we are to be the "defenders of the fatherless", God has adopted us into his family. I feel that Ryan and I are called to do the same.

"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless,Plead for the widow." Isaiah 1: 17


So please pray for us!