Well, we're in the middle of a busy July and finally getting things back to normal after a vacation, so I'm finally ready to get back to writing. Do I have any readers left? Thanks to you all who keep checking in!
No news on Newbie's arrival as yet, but I did want to let you know how things were going with our adoption grant application from Shaohannah's Hope (Steven Curtis Chapman's organization for financial assistance). We completed the application on June 21. Part of the application is filled out online, then some financial records, adoption home study, and a recommendation from our Pastor needed to be mailed in separately. All of that stuff is now in, and we're just waiting to see if we'll be able to get a little financial boost (up to $3500).
You never know, but I don't have really high hopes of us getting this grant. I think (since we are a single-income 
family) that our salary is within an acceptable window to be considered, but our adoption costs are much lower than the average. International adoptions can cost over $30,000; our adoption should run only about $12,000 since our Agency cuts some of its fees in the African American program. With our costs being comparatively low, I don't know that we'll merit a grant. Still, I'm glad we applied. No stone should be un-turned! You never know what resource God will provide to make this adoption happen!
Anyway, Shaohannah's Hope seems like a great organization. I recommend applying if only because of the encouraging letter and booklet we received after our application was completed. The 36-page booklet, entitled "Hope for the Journey: An Adoption Companion" is really great. It has a 2-week "Devotional Guide" with Biblical references to adoption and caring for orphans. Then it has Adoption Advice, Fundraising Tips, and Lessons from the Wait--different short paragraphs written by other adoptive families. The tips range from things like "bring duct tape when traveling internationally" to "organize a walk-a-thon to raise money." As I already mentioned, a lot of the focus seems to be on international adoptions, but I still found the devotionals to be a pick-me-up during my down moments and the tips and stories to be helpful and amusing. One tip I'm taking to heart, make a "Time Flies" list of things, both practical and fun, that you want to do before the next little one arrives. Focus on the time you have to get this stuff done rather than on the (potentially) long, long wait!
At the back are additional adoption resources, including other organizations that give adoption grants. That's great because it's hard to tell from websites which foundations are legit, and which just want an easy way to get at your social security number. I'm not sure if we'll be following through with any of the other organizations, but if we do I'll let you know. In the meantime, give Shaohannah's Hope a try. It's a real winner.
my wife and i are looking into adoption and i came across your posting here. we adopted a bi-racial daughter through the foster care system and would love for her to have an african american or bi-racial sibling. i read that you are working with an agency that has a program specifically for these children.
i guess my question is what agency are you working with and do you recommend them?
thank you so much and we hope that your adoption goes through soon!!
Posted by: Charles | October 23, 2008 at 08:32 PM