We are adopting from a country in Eastern Europe. We cannot publicly state the country until after we pass court.
Do you know what child you will be adopting?
At this point, no we do not.
When will you bring your new child home?
We won't know an exact date for travel until several months from now. At this point we expect to travel sometime in the first few months of 2014.
How much will the adoption cost?
Final costs will vary due to time spent in country and things like the unknown costs (at this time) of plane tickets. However, we expect that it will cost approximately $25,000.
How are you going to fund the adoption?
We will be using money from our savings account. I (Melanie) have started contract work on a part time basis in order to save more money for the adoption. We will need to fundraise for a large portion of this adoption. More information will come soon on two local fundraisers we are planning. Also, we have an online "Family Sponsorship Page" set up through Reece's Rainbow. Donations can be made to our account via mail or the internet and are tax deductible. (Please note that gifts given online are subject to a 3% PayPal fee. To ensure that all of your donation comes to us, please consider sending a check instead. Checks should be made payable to Reece’s Rainbow- with our name included on the memo line- and mailed to PO Box 4024 Gaithersburg, MD 20885)
Why adopt? Isn't one kid with Down syndrome enough?
We firmly believe that each and every human being was created in the image of God and has great value and worth. Our hearts were broken when we found out how orphans with Down syndrome and other special needs are treated in some countries around the world. In the country we are adopting from, orphans with Down syndrome spend the first 4 years of their life in a "baby house." Many times these beautiful children are left in their cribs the vast majority of the day and receive no interaction other than hurried feedings and one diaper change a day. At age 4, the children with special needs are transferred to adult age mental institutions. The statistics vary, but it is understood that something like 90% of these sweet children die within one year of being transferred.
We feel that God has asked us to step forward in faith and parent one of these children. We know that God LOVES adoption. He asks us to care for the fatherless many times in the Bible. In fact, God was the one who adopted you and me to be His own children! As we act in obedience, we are confident that God will provide for every need we have throughout this process.
Galations 4:4-7 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
James 1: 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Please let us know what other questions you have!
Wow! What a compelling post. And what devastating newd to hear how children with Ds are treated elsewhere. I admire your courage and obedience. And will be praying for you three slomg the journey. And for favor in every step, with each court and govt entity. And for your soon-to-be child #2.
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