We got some great advice from some great people (thanks, Dad) and some encouraging words. We really appreciate all of the information we can get, so keep the stories coming.
This week, we looked into an agency called Lutheran Social Services. I was skeptical at first, since we are not Lutheran. So, I did more research. I found out that LSS has been in opeation since the 1800's and has been finding forever homes for children since then. Wow. That's quite some time..and quite a good reputation.
We contacted them and discovered that they have a program very similar to the one we were with at All God's Children International. So, we had a conference call this week with Kimberly. She gave us TONS of information in our 1 hour call.
So far, we like almost everything we hear, so we are going to attend an orientation session at the beginning of August, and will hopefully find even more things that we like.
With this program, we will be adopting out of the foster system. They have many children seeking a forever home. We can't wait to see how this all turns out. So far, pretty exciting!
We appreciate your prayers and words of support.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
It's nice to have Options....isn't it?
After hours and hours spent surfing for agencies, we sent out for some more information. We have about 10 brochures on our kitchen table that need to be read. I skimmed over them, and they all pretty much say the same thing. "Give us $ and we'll match you with a birthmother and you'll be a family in no time." The difference, as far as I can see, is the amount of advertising one agency does over another. And, when I say "advertising" I mean that they are advertising to birthmothers. Some agencies talk a lot about how much advertising they do to find the right birthmother match. And, some agencies talk about how quickly they match. Yet others don't mention how quickly they operate, they just talk about how happy we will be as a family.
Oh - one of them was particularly interesting. This agency does only "open" adoptions. An open adoption can be anything from a photo/letter once/year to regular visits with the birth parents. This agency must be all about the regular visits, because they included a letter from the adopted parents...who say how happy they are, etc etc. A letter from the birthmom...who says how great everything is because her son is happy and well-cared for, etc etc. But, the letter from the birthdad sort of blew my mind. He says how he visits all the time, can't wait to see his son, is considering moving nearby so he can see him more often, and even said his son "has four parents that love him very much". wow. I think I can handle the photo/letter once/year...but sharing parenting with the birthparents? I'm not sure I can do that.
So, the search continues. We realize we just need to pick one and go with it. If you know anyone who has adopted and they would recommend their agency...and they can help us in Texas, then please tell us about them. We'd love to hear their story. Thank you!
Oh - one of them was particularly interesting. This agency does only "open" adoptions. An open adoption can be anything from a photo/letter once/year to regular visits with the birth parents. This agency must be all about the regular visits, because they included a letter from the adopted parents...who say how happy they are, etc etc. A letter from the birthmom...who says how great everything is because her son is happy and well-cared for, etc etc. But, the letter from the birthdad sort of blew my mind. He says how he visits all the time, can't wait to see his son, is considering moving nearby so he can see him more often, and even said his son "has four parents that love him very much". wow. I think I can handle the photo/letter once/year...but sharing parenting with the birthparents? I'm not sure I can do that.
So, the search continues. We realize we just need to pick one and go with it. If you know anyone who has adopted and they would recommend their agency...and they can help us in Texas, then please tell us about them. We'd love to hear their story. Thank you!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Monetize by Google
After posting yesterday, I closed my eyes for a moment and asked God to help us find a way to fund our adoption. Laptop still on my lap, I opened my eyes and saw the word, "Monetize" on my screen. It's Google AdSense. I figure it's worth a try. Even if it's just pennies, it's worth a try, right?
I have NO idea how it works, so I'm stumbling through the process here. Please bear with me. I'm sorry if it "clutters" the blog.
I'm not allowed to click on the ads............and I'm not allowed to ask you to click on it....... But, if you are genuinely interested in the ads and want to do so, I'm not going to tell you not to do it. (wink wink) It is, after all, the way that google knows to send us money!
We'll be working on some more fundraisers soon. Can't wait to see where all of this takes us. It should be interesting!
I have NO idea how it works, so I'm stumbling through the process here. Please bear with me. I'm sorry if it "clutters" the blog.
I'm not allowed to click on the ads............and I'm not allowed to ask you to click on it....... But, if you are genuinely interested in the ads and want to do so, I'm not going to tell you not to do it. (wink wink) It is, after all, the way that google knows to send us money!
We'll be working on some more fundraisers soon. Can't wait to see where all of this takes us. It should be interesting!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Moving on
It was a very difficult decision, but we have decided to stay on the domestic route with our adoption. With this, we are not going to be able to use All God's Children International. We signed our termination contract just a few days ago, and they are kind enough to refund a small portion of what we paid. Though it was small, it was still kind, considering they do not refund, as a policy. They made an exception for us. The remainder of it we'll write off as "failed adoption" on taxes. Painful words.
But, we are moving on. We looked into that agency that I mentioned in our last update. They were simply too expensive. So, we keep looking. And praying.
Funding will be our biggest obstacle....so we'll be getting creative soon! :)
We appreciate your prayers and support.
But, we are moving on. We looked into that agency that I mentioned in our last update. They were simply too expensive. So, we keep looking. And praying.
Funding will be our biggest obstacle....so we'll be getting creative soon! :)
We appreciate your prayers and support.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Money and Faith
I know it's taboo. But, with the current recession, it seems like everyone talks openly about money these days, and so I figure, "why be different"? I'll talk REAL figures with you.
Our consultation with an adoption agency this week pretty much sums it up. $30,000-$40,000 to adopt. This is a domestic adoption we are talking about - not an international adoption, which typically cost much more. Let's break this down so you can see exactly where this cost comes from: $25k to the agency for finding the birthmother, matching to us (the adoptive parents), screening the birthmother, walking us through the system, paperwork, etc etc etc. There is a LOT involved. PLUS we'll pay for the Home Study (when the social worker comes to visit), the birthmother expenses (if necessary), the lawyers/legal fees, travel (if necessary), and other various fees such as social workers, interstate adoption costs (if applicable), etc etc. You get the idea. There are a lot of fees tucked away here and there.
This is the most disturbing part. Several people - agencies, fellow adoptive parents, etc - liken the cost to adopt much like buying a car. Most people finance their cars. So, in the same way people finance their car, people finance their adoption. So, they say, "If you will invest in your car, why wouldn't you invest in the life of a child?"
I just don't buy this. First, I've never spent that much on a car (though I have financed cars). Second, I can't help but think many things about this comparison, such as "well, I might finance a car - but I don't have to put diapers on a car and feed a car, and put my car in day care, and I don't have to put my car through college, and I don't have to worry about damaging my car's emotions for life because i worked too much to pay off said car or wanted to put my car in the best schools, etc."
Nonetheless, we will continue to pursue all options and will put our faith in God. If it is meant to be, we will find a way to come up with the funds to do this. I'm spending lots of time (between packing boxes) to research some adoption grants, etc. It's been an interesting adventure. If you know of any resources, we are open to hearing about them. Thank you!
One last thing - and I'll keep it short, because this blog entry is getting long. But, something spoke to me in church this morning - and I wanted to share. I think it's funny how just when I'm starting to get discouraged, God puts His hands back into the situation to make sure I remember that He's in control.
This morning during the sermon, our pastor said, "Jesus was the first adopter". John 1:12-13 says, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." A friend sent me this link, and I invite you to view this video and ask yourself: "Are we not ALL Children of God?" Every single one of us have been adopted by Jesus, if we have received Him. http://www.thirdday.com/adopted
Our consultation with an adoption agency this week pretty much sums it up. $30,000-$40,000 to adopt. This is a domestic adoption we are talking about - not an international adoption, which typically cost much more. Let's break this down so you can see exactly where this cost comes from: $25k to the agency for finding the birthmother, matching to us (the adoptive parents), screening the birthmother, walking us through the system, paperwork, etc etc etc. There is a LOT involved. PLUS we'll pay for the Home Study (when the social worker comes to visit), the birthmother expenses (if necessary), the lawyers/legal fees, travel (if necessary), and other various fees such as social workers, interstate adoption costs (if applicable), etc etc. You get the idea. There are a lot of fees tucked away here and there.
This is the most disturbing part. Several people - agencies, fellow adoptive parents, etc - liken the cost to adopt much like buying a car. Most people finance their cars. So, in the same way people finance their car, people finance their adoption. So, they say, "If you will invest in your car, why wouldn't you invest in the life of a child?"
I just don't buy this. First, I've never spent that much on a car (though I have financed cars). Second, I can't help but think many things about this comparison, such as "well, I might finance a car - but I don't have to put diapers on a car and feed a car, and put my car in day care, and I don't have to put my car through college, and I don't have to worry about damaging my car's emotions for life because i worked too much to pay off said car or wanted to put my car in the best schools, etc."
Nonetheless, we will continue to pursue all options and will put our faith in God. If it is meant to be, we will find a way to come up with the funds to do this. I'm spending lots of time (between packing boxes) to research some adoption grants, etc. It's been an interesting adventure. If you know of any resources, we are open to hearing about them. Thank you!
One last thing - and I'll keep it short, because this blog entry is getting long. But, something spoke to me in church this morning - and I wanted to share. I think it's funny how just when I'm starting to get discouraged, God puts His hands back into the situation to make sure I remember that He's in control.
This morning during the sermon, our pastor said, "Jesus was the first adopter". John 1:12-13 says, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." A friend sent me this link, and I invite you to view this video and ask yourself: "Are we not ALL Children of God?" Every single one of us have been adopted by Jesus, if we have received Him. http://www.thirdday.com/adopted
Monday, May 16, 2011
No news is....no news
Well, we have not updated with any news because, well, there is no news. From our perspective, things are happening fast....so when I looked at the calendar today and realized it's mid-May, I almost fell over. So, that statement of no news...well, not entirely true. Rob found a job with Colgan Air and is working full time as a mechanic. He started off working days, then midnight shift, then days again, then midnight shift, then back to days. For now, he works at 6am. He drives about 45-60 minutes to work at Intercontinental (IAH for you aviation geeks).
I am still enjoying my job. There has been a change in my position, which is perfectly fine with me. I'm now the Manager of Training and Standards at the same company. They wanted someone with training experience and tedious attention to detail to take over the position, and I'm the one they picked! I'm honored - it says a lot about what they think of me an employee. It's a new job for me, so I have a lot to learn. I enjoy the change though, so it's exciting. :)
We have been house-shopping for the last 3 months. It's been both exciting and frustrating. I'll spare you all of the details, but in a nutshell, we had a lease at this rental house until the end of July. The house has been sold, and the realtor asked if we'd consider breaking the lease. We agreed that if we found a house, we wouldn't mind at all. After all, who wants to move in Houston in July!? Yuck. So, the search begins. We put an offer on 3 different houses. No deal. Then, one day while looking at some other possibilities, one of the sellers came back and gave a good counter-offer that we accepted!
So, now we are in the process of getting everything done for the closing. The house is beautiful and perfect for our new family. Now, for getting that family..... are we doing this backwards? haha.
As for the adoption, we have talked with the people at All God's Children about the programs that we are eligible for. Basically, it's down to either China or Bulgaria. We are not sure how we feel about either of these, so we are exploring more options here in Texas.
We had a phone consultation scheduled last Thursday, when Rob found a few fire ants to call his friends. They bit him and he had a severe allergic reaction. We landed at Urgent Care in time to get an epinephrine shot and after some excitement, all is well. He is fine. Our appointment is rescheduled for this Thursday. I'll fill you in when we find out more!
I am still enjoying my job. There has been a change in my position, which is perfectly fine with me. I'm now the Manager of Training and Standards at the same company. They wanted someone with training experience and tedious attention to detail to take over the position, and I'm the one they picked! I'm honored - it says a lot about what they think of me an employee. It's a new job for me, so I have a lot to learn. I enjoy the change though, so it's exciting. :)
We have been house-shopping for the last 3 months. It's been both exciting and frustrating. I'll spare you all of the details, but in a nutshell, we had a lease at this rental house until the end of July. The house has been sold, and the realtor asked if we'd consider breaking the lease. We agreed that if we found a house, we wouldn't mind at all. After all, who wants to move in Houston in July!? Yuck. So, the search begins. We put an offer on 3 different houses. No deal. Then, one day while looking at some other possibilities, one of the sellers came back and gave a good counter-offer that we accepted!
So, now we are in the process of getting everything done for the closing. The house is beautiful and perfect for our new family. Now, for getting that family..... are we doing this backwards? haha.
As for the adoption, we have talked with the people at All God's Children about the programs that we are eligible for. Basically, it's down to either China or Bulgaria. We are not sure how we feel about either of these, so we are exploring more options here in Texas.
We had a phone consultation scheduled last Thursday, when Rob found a few fire ants to call his friends. They bit him and he had a severe allergic reaction. We landed at Urgent Care in time to get an epinephrine shot and after some excitement, all is well. He is fine. Our appointment is rescheduled for this Thursday. I'll fill you in when we find out more!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Houston, what could possibly be the problem?
Hi Everyone,
I’m sorry I haven’t updated you since I’ve arrived in Houston. As you can imagine, it’s been a bit busy. It’s been so crazy since I left Ohio on Dec 26.
First, I went to visit my friend Kelly & Dan in Springfield, MO. They have opened a gym and it was so nice to see their progress. I’m very proud of them.
Then, off to Houston! When I arrived, the temp was around 65 and it’s remained at 65-70 degrees every day since I’ve arrived. The first day was a torrential downpour, but since then it has been absolutely beautiful. Really, to be honest, I couldn’t ask for better weather. I’ve already noticed a difference in my back pain and energy!
We know the summers will get stifling hot, so we managed to find a house to rent with a private pool & spa. We’ll move into it as soon as our stuff arrives, which is scheduled to be at the house on Jan 15.
Our new address will be:
823 Oak Harbor Dr
Houston, TX 77062
After we move, we’ll re-start the adoption process. The agency has been absolutely wonderful. They pray for us, and have been incredibly patient. They’ve even agreed to do something completely unorthodox and transfer our funds already paid to another program. We’ll be switching to an international program, and we’ll be sure to keep you all posted on the news.
I started work on Jan 3 (Monday). So far, it’s a really great place. The people are friendly & fun, and the company is more than fair. In my first week of employment, they’ve given me a laptop, an iPhone, and today, I got a bonus! That’s right – 4th day of work and got a bonus already! Unbelievable! I am enjoying the job; I’m back in my element. They love that I know what I’m doing, and I feel that my knowledge & experience is going to be put to good use. Best of all, I feel respected at work. So nice.
We found a renter for our house in Columbus!!! Wahooo! God is working miracles! A Columbus Firefighter signed a lease today, and moves in on Sunday. WOW! The new countertops & sink will be installed on Wednesday, after which Rob will hit the road and head to Houston!
And, the icing on the cake: I found a long-lost cousin that lives only about 10 minutes away from me. In a city where it takes about 1-1.5 hours to drive across town, depending on traffic, I have a relative only 10 minutes away! I met up with Mark last week, and had a chance to spend some time with him, his family & friends on his birthday. It’s fun to reminisce about our annual camping trips that we had during the summer. It’s a blast from the past, and lots of fun.
God is so amazing, and we are so excited about the way things are just coming together! We just follow in faith, and He provides more than we could have imagined. God can do anything—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! Ephesians 3:20.
I’m sorry I haven’t updated you since I’ve arrived in Houston. As you can imagine, it’s been a bit busy. It’s been so crazy since I left Ohio on Dec 26.
First, I went to visit my friend Kelly & Dan in Springfield, MO. They have opened a gym and it was so nice to see their progress. I’m very proud of them.
Then, off to Houston! When I arrived, the temp was around 65 and it’s remained at 65-70 degrees every day since I’ve arrived. The first day was a torrential downpour, but since then it has been absolutely beautiful. Really, to be honest, I couldn’t ask for better weather. I’ve already noticed a difference in my back pain and energy!
We know the summers will get stifling hot, so we managed to find a house to rent with a private pool & spa. We’ll move into it as soon as our stuff arrives, which is scheduled to be at the house on Jan 15.
Our new address will be:
823 Oak Harbor Dr
Houston, TX 77062
After we move, we’ll re-start the adoption process. The agency has been absolutely wonderful. They pray for us, and have been incredibly patient. They’ve even agreed to do something completely unorthodox and transfer our funds already paid to another program. We’ll be switching to an international program, and we’ll be sure to keep you all posted on the news.
I started work on Jan 3 (Monday). So far, it’s a really great place. The people are friendly & fun, and the company is more than fair. In my first week of employment, they’ve given me a laptop, an iPhone, and today, I got a bonus! That’s right – 4th day of work and got a bonus already! Unbelievable! I am enjoying the job; I’m back in my element. They love that I know what I’m doing, and I feel that my knowledge & experience is going to be put to good use. Best of all, I feel respected at work. So nice.
We found a renter for our house in Columbus!!! Wahooo! God is working miracles! A Columbus Firefighter signed a lease today, and moves in on Sunday. WOW! The new countertops & sink will be installed on Wednesday, after which Rob will hit the road and head to Houston!
And, the icing on the cake: I found a long-lost cousin that lives only about 10 minutes away from me. In a city where it takes about 1-1.5 hours to drive across town, depending on traffic, I have a relative only 10 minutes away! I met up with Mark last week, and had a chance to spend some time with him, his family & friends on his birthday. It’s fun to reminisce about our annual camping trips that we had during the summer. It’s a blast from the past, and lots of fun.
God is so amazing, and we are so excited about the way things are just coming together! We just follow in faith, and He provides more than we could have imagined. God can do anything—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! Ephesians 3:20.
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