Counting the Cost

One of the things people ask when they hear we’re adopting internationally is “Isn’t it expensive?” Short answer “Yes” Longer answer “Yes very!” According to our agency it will cost approximately $24000-29000 (this includes most fees, donations to the orphanage and travel expenses) to adopt 1 child from Ethiopia.  We’re hoping to adopt siblings…so at least 2… That will not double the cost as some expenses are a one time thing like home study (actually not calculated in the above estimate) and fingerprinting, but some things are like passports, visas and airline tickets per child. So our tab will end up being more than the estimate.  Like most people we don’t have that kind of money just sitting around. We’re not entirely sure where it’s all going to come from. What we do know is that our God has led us on this journey and that he will provide as he sees fit.  We also know that He has a heart for the orphan, that we are commanded to care for them and this is how we feel led to do so.  We have started saving on our own and cutting back here and there.  I’ve opened an Etsy shop and we’re selling Just Love coffee through our blog.  We’re planning on doing some fundraisers like selling shirts and once our home study is done we’ll be applying for grants through ShowHope and Lifesong.  I've added a paypal donation button to our blog so if you feel led to donate to our adoption fund it will be easy to do so.  It’s hard to ask for help….John and I have gone back and forth on that aspect of our adoption….it boils down to a pride issue. We know we can not do it on our own.  John met someone recently who had adopted siblings from Rwanda and he told him his biggest regret was not asking for/allowing people to help them financially.  As believers, we are all called to care for the orphan, for some that means adoption, for others that means orphan care and for others that means helping financially.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated!