We've really debated about this. Adoption is not for the faint-hearted. It requires diligence, perserverance, patience, flexibility, and an open heart. It is also not an inexpensive way to have a child. Our adoption journey started with a plan for domestic adoption. We went through the steps and expenses associated with that process. In June of this year, our path changed and we embarked on this adventure to adopt from Ukraine. Unfortunately, fees are not transferable. And that's ok. We knew that when we chose to switch gears.
Because adoption can be a financial challenge, many people raise funds by having yard sales, church dinners, bake sales, auctioning items, or give-a-ways where people are entered into drawings for items when they contribute to an adoption fund. People from all walks of life who are adopting choose to have fundraisers, some with more money than Mark and I can imagine, some with much less than we have. We've talked a lot about raising funds for our adoption. The financial costs are scary for both of us. We are stepping outside of our financial comfort zone and it would be nice to have a little bit more breathing room instead of trying to do this all on our own. But, when it comes right down to it, we aren't very comfortable asking people for help. The economy is difficult right now and almost everyone we know has been affected. As we talked about whether or not to do any fundraising, we just couldn't quite get past that. But, the bottom line is that expenses are on our mind. Especially as we get closer to traveling and the big expenses that are upcoming (airfare, our costs while in Ukraine, etc). So, when my friend Sarah offered to host a fundraiser for us in her Etsy store, we reluctantly decided that we would say "yes." On October 11, she will be donating a portion of each item she sells to our adoption costs. We humbly ask that you support our adoption journey by visiting Sarah's store on October 11 and making a purchase. It would mean a great deal to us.
Parenting biological children with lots of issues isn't for the faint-hearted either. I have read numerous adoption blogs that use that saying. It makes them sound like they are saying they better than others. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteSharia,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right! Parenting in general is not for the faint-hearted. It would never be my intent to say otherwise.
That's the problem with blogs, emails, written word - the emotion and feeling behind the words can be interpreted in a way that the writer never intended.
As far as being better than anyone else, believe me that is NOT a claim I would make. I am a very imperfect person and I will be a very imperfect parent. All I can do is be thankful that God loves me the way I am and that His grace is sufficient to overcome my shortcomings.
Hi There ,
ReplyDeletePlease excuse me I am not trying to spam anyone - I just published a book that I think may be helpful to parents who have adopted or are hoping to adoption from Ukraine. Please check it out and pass this on to other parents.
We have two 12 year olds from a small orphanage in Melitopal and wrote this book as a detailed journal and self help book for adoptive parents.
It is called "76 Days on Mars, A Ukrainian Adoption Tale" and is available on Amazon. All proceeds go to our orphanage.
We are also starting a group on Facebook.com called 76 days on Mars, please join us
Best,
Michael Redman