Family Picture

Family Picture

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Q & A with Steff and Brian

A few of you have asked us some questions so I thought I would answer some of the common questions:

1. Why did you choose adoption?- Brian and I have talked about adoption since before we were married.  Adoption has always been part of the our family plan.  About two years ago, we were very close to adopting a little girl from Russia.  We decided her needs were too great and we eventually decided to have another biological child.  We decided to re-evaluate when our youngest was year.  Well, since R(2) is now 20 months we felt comfortable moving forward with the adoption. 

2.  Why did you choose International Adoption instead of Domestic?- We choose International for MANY reasons.  We don't particular like the popularity contest associated with domestic adoption.  We also don't want an infant.  We wanted to be able to choose the gender.  We wanted to focus on special needs.  We felt led to China.  Brian and I believe that an orphan is an orphan is an orphan.  All orphans need homes no matter where they are from.

3. Why does it cost so much?  All adoptions(except Foster care) cost LOTS of money.  It isn't like I can shop around for the best price.  All adoptions, including domestic have fees associated with it.  So, please realize that the price is non-negotiable.  We feel like this is what we should be doing no matter the cost.  She will have special needs, she is institutionalized and may because of her special needs NEVER find a family.  If everyone who adopted choose not to because it cost a lot of money we wouldn't have any adoptions(except for the wealthy).  In our opinion, a price cannot be put on a child.  We have gotten a lot of negative feedback about the price and I just pray that those people understand that she is an orphan and it costs a lot.  In my opinion, it shouldn't cost that much, but it does and the situation is what is before us.  We are stepping out on faith in all areas of this adoption.  We believe that God has our daughter picked out in China and will provide for our/her needs. A breakdown of the costs: Home Study fees-2500(includes post-placement), Dossier(4500-including all the certifications), China Agency program fee and orphanage donation(12,000), Travel to/in China (6,000).  

4.  What is the process now? We are hopefully finishing up the homestudy at the end of March.  We will submit the Dossier to China in mid-June/July.  After that, it can take up to 6 months to be matched with a child. After matching takes another 4-5months to get all the paperwork done and travel.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

1 comment:

  1. I am with you all the way on this journey. I have purchased the t-shirts and painting. I love them both. Keep the posts coming so we can stay updated on your progress. I am excited about meeting my Granddaughter ....Love you..

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