We had a nice visit with the staff at Bethany Christian Services on Wednesday evening, then again on Thursday afternoon. Amanda will write more about our visit with them soon, but I wanted to get a quick update to you. They are happy with how we are making progress on our application (just a few more things to turn in). They said we should get an award for getting our paperwork in so quickly. I thought to myself, "You can reward us by giving us a discount on our adoption." Which brings up a common question - Why is adoption so expensive?
For domestic adoption (which we are doing), adoption fees cover overhead charges, legal work, resources provided to us (the adoptive parents), but most importantly care and counseling for the expectant mother. When a mother indicates that she would like to place her child up for adoption, the agency she is working with provides cost-free care for her. As I see it, the free care for a mother is somewhat of an incentive for her to not go another route. Part of our adoption fees will cover the counseling she needs as she grieves departure from her child, as well as, some of her medical expenses. Hospital expenses for the child will be covered by our insurance, but expenses for the mother will be covered through our adoption fees. I'm willing to pay whatever it takes if it keeps a mother from bringing a child into an unsuitable home or even taking the route of abortion. When it comes to protecting life, no price is too high.
We continue to save money for the adoption, but the Lord was gracious to provide through some friends the $500 that went with our contract. We were surprised by that! The next hill we have to climb is $2500 for our "home study." We think that once that is completed, we can apply for grants. However, there will probably be another $2500 payment that goes along with our service plan before the grant is dispersed. Because we have been saving and through the sale of some paintings, we are nearly over the first $2500 hill. Praise the Lord! It's so fun to watch Him work and provide. Will you continue to pray for us on our journey? It's an exciting one.
Don't forget. This Sunday, Jan. 23, is Sanctity of Life Sunday. Life is priceless. Protect it.
