Our International adoption Journey

Dear friends,

We humbly come before you to share our heartfelt story and ask for your support in bringing our beautiful twin baby nieces home. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this challenging journey, but we firmly believe that with your help, we can provide these precious souls with a safe, healthy, and loving home. 

Tragically, we recently lost our sister-in-law to a clot in her lung, leaving behind these precious twin girls born on January 31st, 2024. Compounded by the fact that my brother is partially blind and living in poor conditions, it became clear that we needed to step forward and offer these babies the love and stability they deserve within our own family. As someone who was adopted myself, I know firsthand the immeasurable joy and beauty that comes from giving a child a loving and supportive home. 

After years of surgeries, fertility medications, heartache, and countless prayers, we believe that this opportunity to adopt our nieces is the blessing we have been yearning for. However, the journey ahead is not without its challenges. 

The babies are currently in South Africa, while we reside in Florida. The process of international adoption is complex, emotionally draining, and financially strenuous. Moreover, time is of the essence, as there is another couple interested in taking in our nieces. We are determined to keep them within our family, and we have until my brother's next court date at the end of May to ensure all our preparations are in order. 

In addition to the inherent difficulties of international adoption, South Africa presents its own unique obstacles, particularly for Caucasians. The country is facing numerous hardships, with safety concerns for Caucasians, a declining education system, limited job opportunities, and an overall challenging environment. 

To embark on this adoption journey, we must overcome various expenses that arise unexpectedly. 

The list of fees is extensive, and each one is essential to the process and the well-being of the children. 

Here are just a few examples: - 

Holt Adoption Agency Application Fee: $350 PAID 

Adoption Fee 1: $5,065 - PAID 

Home Study Fee: $2,500- $2,900

Home Study Assessment/Post Adoption Reporting Fees(non-Holt branch states)

Home Study fee: $1,500 to $5,000

Home Study update fee: $250- $1,000

Post adoption reporting fees: $1,500 to $3,000

Adoption Fee 2: $8,394

Adoption Fee 3: $4,540- $8,665

Just to name a few (I’d be happy to share the schedule of fee documentation for an exact amount)

We never anticipated that starting our own family could feel so far out of reach, but we are determined to fight for our babies and bring them home where they belong. The weight of their future rests in our hands, and we humbly ask for your support in this endeavor. Your donation, no matter the amount, will make a significant impact on our journey. Additionally, we kindly request your prayers and that you share our story with your network. Together, we can create a wave of love and support that will help us overcome every challenge that comes our way. 

If you would like more information about our journey or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We have chosen not to share the faces of the babies as they are not in our care, and we must respect the legal boundaries surrounding their privacy. 

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your love, support, and consideration. 

With eternal gratitude, 

Jo-Anne & Rafael Alvarez 

(Please note that GoFundMe deducts a small percentage from each donation to fund their services)