A Question About Costs

I have had several friends recently ask me about the costs for adopting from Uganda.

I took a quick second to kind of outline what the costs are, and which ones we have paid, and which ones are coming.  This might help anyone who is interested in the process, so that you can figure out if it can be done in your situation.  Looking at it now, I am not even sure it will happen for us.  Realistically, that is a crazy sum of money.  That is like what Paul makes in a year, and we are going to try and spend that in 12-18 months?!?  Good gracious.  I can see why people do not adopt….if they can even get through the 200 pages of forms, questions, etc. without being totally discouraged, the bills along the way might push someone over the edge.  The sad thing is that this Agency was really inexpensive considering everything they take care of, how much information they give you and how thorough they are.  

I know that you can apply for grants, but you cannot even start applying for grants until after your home study has been approved or even received your referral.  But by then, you have already spent at least $6,695.  Let the fundraising begin.  I found a website that will print 20 shirts for you for $5, that you design and submit, and you are then supposed to sell the shirts for $15 - $20 a piece.  I also have jewelry from Uganda and artwork that I could sell to raise money - except for the fact that I do not know anyone with money....and maybe I am too prideful to sell stuff to people.  Then again, I wanted this to have the least amount of negative impact on the kids as possible to increase their appreciation and happiness about our wonderful new kiddo.  Something has got to give. I think that the low interest adoption loan will be the way to go, but even then, it only covers $10,000, and the total bill is around $55,000, so we shall see.  

I know I should feel really worried about it, but I am not.  I feel very peaceful about the whole thing.  Ok, so ask me when the tax return money has run out and we have a $12,000 bill that is due in a week.  I might be stressing then.  A friend said maybe I was just being naive or feeling blissful, but I think I am just at peace and confident in what God wants me to do...or I could be blind and arrogant.  I guess we will find out soon enough!