Confession Time
I have to admit something right from the beginning.
I used to be lame.
Why?
Because I fell into the category of people that thought I probably wasn’t cut out to adopt. And, the main reason I thought I might never join the 2% of Americans that adopt was primarily because of just one thing. You guessed it. Money.
Adoption Costs
When I learned that adopting can cost $20,000 – $45,000 for private agency adoptions, $20,000 – $50,000 for International adoption and even $15,000 – $40,000 for independent adoptions, I was overwhelmed. Even in the least expensive scenario, for most of us, that is a lot of money! And, in the beginning, I was not aware of any special funding that would help make adoption a reality. Cost alone is enough to make some prospective adoptive families give up before they even begin. Friends, that is sad! Don’t let that be you, or someone important to you!
More Than Meant to Be
When I now consider that my kids (below) could not be mine because of money, I realize just how important addressing the obstacle of funding adoption is. I fully believe God orchestrates adoption and puts children in the families where they belong. I also know that He has granted us the gift of free will. We get to decide if we will do the work to come alongside Him, follow His lead and make something happen… or not.
When we were in the process of adoption, l needed to figure out how to fund our adoptions. Instead of having a complete and easy to follow guide to help us, I pieced it together over several years through a lot of hard work and research.
Many times when I speak to someone who has considered adoption, money is the reason they have not moved forward. This has come up time and time again. To think that a child will not end up in their forever home because of money is truly sad. To think that a hopeful parent will never get the chance to become a parent because of money is tragic.
I knew there was a gap here.
Closing the Gap
I wanted to do whatever I could to help close this gap… in some small way to help more children find their way home.
So, I created an E-book that breaks down what I learned about funding adoption.
I’m thrilled to help other prospective adoptive families maneuver one of the toughest obstacles to adoption… money!
If you or someone you know is considering adoption or wants to help others, and money is an issue, I’m confident this can help. Save yourself some of the work and discouragement. Enjoy an opportunity to learn from someone that has been through the process and figured it out.
Today, I’m releasing my first Ebook all about funding adoption. Learn more about it here.
At 28, a tragedy left me unable to have children. Finally, at 32 I adopted my son, Matthew. He was the BEST thing that ever happened to me and made life worth living!!! The sun and moon rose and set on my son! I was the luckiest woman in the world!!! My husband and I couldn’t believe we were finally parents, just like everyone else! I’ve never felt as if I deserved him. At times I’d hold him and just weep! So overwhelmed with this precious child who was MINE!!! Really mine!!! He was such a perfectly beautiful baby! A direct gift from God!! And he grew up to be an extremely compassionate, funny and successful young man. He met and loved his birthmother for giving him life! He and I even volunteered in an orphanage in a 3rd world county when he was 6yrs. (his idea) He has such a heart for kids not adopted yet and wants to adopt children too someday!
I struggle with comments made and the actions of people that make me feel inadequate as a mother. As if I did something wrong and my son was an unwanted throw away baby, a consolation prize! He is my world!!! Even now at 29, and I thank God for him every single day! No one has loved me more, respected me more or taught me what real love was, till Matthew.
I have forgiven the new Moms that freak out if I want to hold their baby or babysit for them. I feel as though I have leprosy, or they think I’ll somehow harm their child. It breaks my heart.
How can I not take this personally? I suffered so much at 28, and it was so extremely difficult to go thru the adoption process. People have NO idea! So how do I handle it when people treat me as though I couldn’t possibly know the 1st thing about being a mother, how to hold a baby, or change a diaper?
Really struggling…….