God is Good - Adoption News!

On October 22 I sent 11 of our 13 Dossier documents to the Secretary of State to be certified. (The Dossier is a collection of official papers and information about our family that has to be collected and then filed in China before we can adopt.) 

We received them back with the certification seal on October 27. That was quick!!

Then we received our finalized home study report on November 6th!!! This was a BIG thing. We have been waiting a long time on receiving this! 

Now that we have our home study report we can apply for immigration to be able to bring out little one into our country. This is called the I-800A. 

On Saturday we held an Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale. The initial adoption costs are daunting. It costs between $24,000 and $30,000 to adopt from China and until recently we thought we had our adoption costs covered. We have had a set back in our funding, though, and are no longer able to fund the entire adoption without some kind of assistance. Despite the financial hurdle, we have stepped out in Faith to follow the calling that has been placed on our hearts. One thing that had been suggested was having a garage sale. (Unfortunately, I was so busy during the sale, I didn't take any pictures - so all of these are from after the sale).

We made signs, cleaned out our drawers, closets, nooks and crannies and had some sweet friends donate items. 

The kids also wanted to do a fundraiser, so they asked all of their friends to donate a baked good and had a bake sale along side our garage sale. They were a big hit! They made their visors the day before the sale. They all say "Ask me about my little sister!" And they LOVED telling everyone about their sister waiting for them in China!

It was a great opportunity to tell others about the adoption need worldwide. 

HERE IS THE BEST PART OF THE STORY:

When the day was over we sat down to count the money made from the garage sale, the bake sale and from some sweet donations to our cause. The grand total was $720.12. 

Are you ready for this?!?

The cost to apply for the I-800A (our next step) is:

$720!!! 

God is faithful and I am so amazed that he chose to remind us of His faithfulness in such a beautiful and  tangible way. 

Now doesn't that give you goosebumps?!?

Thank you so much to all of those who helped out this weekend by donating items, bake goods, stopping by to shop, giving of your time and/or money, and praying for us. 

Now off to apply for that I-800A!