We knew going into this process of adoption that our biggest hurdle would be the finances. It was in fact our main reason for not starting the process sooner. This again is where God really convicted us to jump in and let him provide. I am the finance person in our family. So when we need to figure something out financially, I can kind of figure things out, slide things around in the budget, and with some work and figuring it out can get it done. I kind of like that this is too big to figure out! This is just going to have to be a God thing.
Our first big chunk is going to be about $4000. That includes an application fee of $300, half of our agency fees of $1125, and homestudy fees of $1800 and $750. Very shortly after that, we will owe around $3400 which includes the other half of the agency fees of $1125, $1800 or so for paperwork/fingerprinting/etc., and $450 for post placement reports. That’s a grand total of $7400. Wow. That’s a big number!
Our plan looks like this:
1) Prayer – lots and lots and lots of it. We need God to pull through in whatever ways He has set out. Pray we have clarity and wisdom in finding these opportunities.
2) YARD SALE – we need some major items for this yard sale! We’ll take anything, and we’ll come get it! It’s Oct 9th and 10th. Or if you have some bigger items to donate, I can list those on Craigslist or Ebay. Everything at our house is kind of up for grabs right now!
3) Donations – this is where we are going to need the most help! $25,000 seems like a lot, but broken down, it works out to 50 dollars from 500 people, 100 dollars from 250 people or 1000 dollars from 25 people. That’s not so impossible. Jason and I have really been convicted about how easily we can blow $100 in a week. We have a tight budget so the opportunity doesn’t present itself often, but between eating out and picking up little things we don’t need, it can add up fast. So it doesn’t seem as huge a number. We’ve talked to lots of people that have a heart for adoption but just don’t feel they are called personally to do it. This is a great way to help. You will be able to look at the face of a beautiful, sweet little girl that YOU helped bring home! So, if you can help, we’d love it. I’d challenge you not to just pull out the money but to see if you or your family could give up something for a week or month in order to save up – fast food, new clothes, a few movie nights – just be creative! In Ethiopia, $100 can go a LONG way in feeding an entire family! And, a little bit here and there can help bring a child home. We have a paypal account on our blog that you can use to donate (sarahunderhill.wordpress.com) or if you need our address, message me and I can get it to you.
4) We are also going to apply for some grants and loans, but I don’t think we’ll get those funds until a little later.
5) Prayer, prayer, and prayer. We just can’t move forward until we get the funds. So, we are just praying that God will provide for what He has called us to. We know He will, we just don’t know his timing!
We’ll be doing some other things in the future. Maybe a silent auction, pancake breakfast, or some other event. We’ll be praying through that as well! I can paint lettering on walls (scripture) and can sew too, so I’ll be looking to see how I can use those talents also. Let me know if you can think of something else!
Online raffles seem to do very well. I have a friend that had things donated such as an XBox and a Canon Rebel kit and local art and local photography services (think about it…if someone won a free 8×10 they are probably gonna want some of the other pics they take so it’s a win win)….there is a precious girl I use at Christmas and such in Murfreesboro that makes unique jewelry…you should give her a shout and see if she would put something up for auction. I know she loves to donate a portion of her proceeds to charities. Here’s her website http://www.kikiandlele.com….her name is Leslee.
God will provide!:-)
A friend of mine is in the process of adopting a baby from South Korea and she did a Chick-fil-a spirit night. I’m sure you’ve heard of them. They have a night specified for you and you invite everyone you know (and then some) and a certain % of the sales that night go towards your adoption. She raised $500+ and they said it was the biggest turn out they’d had at their store. Call your store there and check it out! Who doesn’t like a little Chick-fil-a?
Another idea she had was to ask her close girl friends to do a “girls night out” party (you know, dinner and a movie, game night, etc). And invite at least 10 of your girl friends and have them bring $10 which is given to the adoption. That’s $100 easy and all you did was have fun with your girl friends.
First of all, the above ideas are great for raising money!
But I just wanted to write and say YOU GO GIRL!!!! WOW, you guys are just breezing right along, I’m just so proud of you guys!!! Your life will be forever changed. Rob and I spoke today during the adoption seminar at church about our personal story and I thought I might see you there! I’m praying for you! Love the blog too!