International adoption is very expensive. We expect our final total to be over $30,000.00. (Yes, you read that right.) We know the costs seem astronomical, but there are several factors that cause the total to be so high. Obviously, there are many organizations, individuals and professionals that put in a great amount of work and time to help push us through this process. These individuals deserve to be paid for their effort. In addition, we have to travel to our boy's country to complete this process. The costs of travel and lodging really make up a significant portion of the total amount of money needed. The rest goes to things like paperwork, processing fees, shipping costs, immigration and visas.
So, why fundraise? Why don't we pay for this out of our own pockets? Those are valid questions. Here are our thoughts. 1) We will be paying for as much as we can out of our own pockets.** We will list below where all of our savings is going, along with the gaps in funds that still remain. We are also working very hard to cut back on our spending so that all extra income can go toward the adoption. We aim to be completely transparent with our finances during this process. Feel free to contact us with any questions. 2) People raise funds for all kinds of purposes all the time: scouts, summer camps, charity projects, medical costs, school activities, etc. 3) We know that we have been blessed with the ability to love and care for our boys and advocate for their special needs. What we do not have at our immediate disposal is the thousands required to bring them home. 4) Not everyone is equipped to adopt a child into their home, but there are plenty of other ways to help (prayer, support, donations, friendship). We have so many wonderful friends and family members who we know are deeply invested in our lives. 5) We also believe that our journey may help another family see the possibilities and the need for adoption.
Our boy has been without a family for over 10 years, and he belongs home with us sooner rather than later, so we humbly ask for support from those who wish to join us on our journey. We can't wait to share with our boy about all the people who helped to bring him home.
Step 1 – Compiling the Dossier (Paperwork)
$275.00 - Commitment Fee
$46.00 - Birth Certificates
$1,500.00 - Home Study Fee
$1,500.00 - Post-placement Home Study Visits (Pre-payed)
$182.72 - Passport Renewal for Alyssa
$890.00 - I-600A Fee
$100.00 - Document Apostilles
Step 2 – Trip 1 (Appointment and Court)
$3,000.00 - Airfare (4 OW Tickets)
$500 - Required Orphanage Donation
$18,370.00 - Total for Step 2 (49% covered by old donations*; 7% covered by garage sale profit; 6% covered by Christ Community Church of Texarkana; 38% covered by donations)
Step 3- Trip 2 (Finalization and Immigration)
*This total reflects ALL the donations received during fundraising for Little Man's adoption.
**Prior to the ban, we spent $18,251 of our own money on Little Man's adoption.
So, why fundraise? Why don't we pay for this out of our own pockets? Those are valid questions. Here are our thoughts. 1) We will be paying for as much as we can out of our own pockets.** We will list below where all of our savings is going, along with the gaps in funds that still remain. We are also working very hard to cut back on our spending so that all extra income can go toward the adoption. We aim to be completely transparent with our finances during this process. Feel free to contact us with any questions. 2) People raise funds for all kinds of purposes all the time: scouts, summer camps, charity projects, medical costs, school activities, etc. 3) We know that we have been blessed with the ability to love and care for our boys and advocate for their special needs. What we do not have at our immediate disposal is the thousands required to bring them home. 4) Not everyone is equipped to adopt a child into their home, but there are plenty of other ways to help (prayer, support, donations, friendship). We have so many wonderful friends and family members who we know are deeply invested in our lives. 5) We also believe that our journey may help another family see the possibilities and the need for adoption.
Our boy has been without a family for over 10 years, and he belongs home with us sooner rather than later, so we humbly ask for support from those who wish to join us on our journey. We can't wait to share with our boy about all the people who helped to bring him home.
Step 1 – Compiling the Dossier (Paperwork)
$275.00 - Commitment Fee
$46.00 - Birth Certificates
$1,500.00 - Home Study Fee
$1,500.00 - Post-placement Home Study Visits (Pre-payed)
$182.72 - Passport Renewal for Alyssa
$890.00 - I-600A Fee
$100.00 - Document Apostilles
$189.00 - Shipping Fees
$102.00 - Fingerprints fees/Clearances/Bank Wire Fee
$5,059.72 - Total for Step 1 (100% covered by old donations*)Step 2 – Trip 1 (Appointment and Court)
$3,000.00 - Airfare (4 OW Tickets)
$1,320.00 - Trip 1 Lodging ($60/night 3 weeks)
$1,050.00 - Trip 1 Meals and Supplies ($50/day 3 weeks)
$11,500.00 - Facilitator Fees
$1,000.00 - Transportation (in country)$500 - Required Orphanage Donation
$18,370.00 - Total for Step 2 (49% covered by old donations*; 7% covered by garage sale profit; 6% covered by Christ Community Church of Texarkana; 38% covered by donations)
Step 3- Trip 2 (Finalization and Immigration)
$3,800.00 - Airfare (2 RT Tickets + 2 OW)
$840.00 - Trip 2 Lodging ($60/night 2 weeks)
$840.00 - Trip 2 Lodging ($60/night 2 weeks)
$700.00 - Trip 2 Meals and Supplies ($50/day 2 weeks)
$8,960.00 - Total for Step 3 (35%covered by donations as of 11/23/13)
$1,000.00 - Passports (for 2 boys)
$900.00 - Visa and Medical (for 2 boys)
$1,000.00 - Transportation (in country)
$720.00 - Second I-600A Fee for Unrelated Child
*This total reflects ALL the donations received during fundraising for Little Man's adoption.
**Prior to the ban, we spent $18,251 of our own money on Little Man's adoption.
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