Long Road to China - Our Adoption Story


Trustmark National Bank account set up:

Donations can be made nation wide at any Trustmark National Bank through the account:
Phillip Smith or Niki J. Smith's Adoption Account

If you would like to mail a donation, please mail it to
Phil or Niki Smith
P.O. Box 332
Rienzi, MS 38865




Tuesday, July 5, 2011

June 13 at 8:08pm -- International Adoption Cost

‎"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Last week we got our huge packet stating all of the requirements for the adoption dossier. Whew, that was thick! lol I spent all weekend going through it several times so we know where to start. I think I finally have a good grasp on what we need to do to get it completed....well, at least to get started. Unless you have been through the adoption process, you couldn't imagine the paperwork and information required! Just so you have an idea of some of the process, not only do you need to have documentation for anything you can think of, EACH document has to be:
County clerk certified &/or notarized
Certified by the Secretary of State
Authenticated by U.S. Dept of State
Authenticated bu Chinese Embassy/Consulate
I'm not complaining as we knew this wasn't an easy process; I just want to let you know some of what we are going through in our process. If you are along for the journey, I wouldn't want to sugar coat it all! lol

We also spent the weekend at the TFM which unfortunately wasn't successful this weekend and was hot! We are tentatively planning to have a sale this weekend to try and make up some of the loss in revenue. I will update you as the week continues. At the sale, we will have yard sale type items and lots of retail items. Our retail items will include jewelry {necklaces, rings, earrings, Pandora style beads/bracelets, glass pendants, bottle cap pendants, & more}, lucky bamboo potted arrangements, lots of one of a kind printed ribbon, & tulle. We also have furniture we will be selling. If this weekend falls through, then we will definitely be having a sale soon!

I know that we talk a lot about cost as do many international adoptive parents. It's an uncomfortable topic for all. Cost is what prevents lots of families from adoption and we were one of them. Just so you can understand why cost is mentioned so often, we will in a later post a breakdown the approximate cost for adopting an international child. The cost is typically between $25,000-$40,000 to internationally adopt a child. “International Adoption is Expensive!”. Yes, it is. But we will have a baby & following God's will for us.. Again, we are not whining nor complaining; we just want you to know why the cost is such a big deal to those of us adopting. I'm wanting to give you a honest view of the entire process/cost/emotions/etc. throughout our journal. It is our decision to follow our calling and to adopt internationally. We feel God's calling so strong at this point and time in our life that we will not let the financial cost hold us back; we know He will provide & we continue on blind faith. This group is not here to gain money, but to provide a better understanding of adoption and to be a blessing for each one of you in some way. All we are asking from you is prayers so anytime we mention a fundraiser we might be doing, please do not feel we are here trying to get $. That is not the purpose! If you feel lead to help us in any financial way through our fundraisers, great; if not, great! We are all called in different ways and what we are asking for is your prayers. We are also praying for you & hope you receive blessings!

"Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world. "
James 1:27"
June 13 at 8:08pm 

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