Several people have recently asked us about the cost of adoption. Why does adopting a child so expensive? Would we be willing to share the expenses that are associated with saving a life? So this is all you wanted to know (and probably more) about the cost of our son’s adoption from Ethiopia.
First of all, I should say that we serve a God that is passionate about loving the unlovables, the untouchables of this world. James 1:27 says,”Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Every day we are being reminded that He is at work funding our passion for orphans. Not long ago, a dear friend shared a story of the Lord telling her, “Prepare to be amazed.” Everyday He continues to amaze us.
Over the last 2 months, the Lord has provided funds to cover the costs leading up to dossier submission.
Application & Paperchase $6280
Application Fee : $250
First Installment of Program Fee: $1500
Homestudy: $3125
Hague Training: $175
USCIS (I-600 – Immigration Paperwork): $830
Certification, Authentication: $400
Dossier Submission and Waiting $7700
Courier Service: $150
2nd Installment of Service Fee: $2000
Post-Adoption Report Deposit: $1000
Dossier Service and Translation: $800
1st Installment of International Program Fee: $3750
Referral and Travel $12,280-$17130
International Specialist Consultation: $100-$400
3rd Installment of Program Fee: $1500
2nd Installment of International Program Fee: $3750
Airfare (2 Adults): $4800-$8000 (Per Ethiopia: 2 Trips is necessary)
Airfare (1 Child): $250-$1000
Visas (2 Adults): $40
Visa/Embassy Fee (1 Child): $400
In-Country Travel Package (2 Adults): $1400-$2000
Post-Adoption $2485-$5385
Post-Adoption Visits: $300-$1500
Post-Adoption Visit Travel Fees: $500ish
Post-Adoption Administrative Fee: $385
Re-Adoption: $300-$1000
Post-Adoption Report Refund: -$1000 (Refunded in installments as, and only if, each report is returned on time)
Other Costs: $1000
Total: $27,745 – 36,495
Small pennies, when you consider the alternative. I mean to us, this is the cost of a human life. Staggering, but nothing is too big of a number for our amazing God. And He really has amazed us all along the way. For us, we count it an honor to partner with each and everyone of you to help bring Samuel home. THIS. IS. REDEMPTION….for one of the least of these (i.e…Matthew 25).
Edmond Burke stated: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Each Christian is mandated by the Word to do something. For us, we are doing all that we can, and after confronted with the facts of the plight of Orphans, we cannot sit idly by. Martin Luther said it best: “It’s neither safe, nor right, to go against conscience.”
In light of James 1:27, I pray that you ask God what your role might be to help the plight of the orphan and widow. We are here for you. We are praying that God touches your heart, and leads you as He did us.
John and Vanessa
