UPDATE 5/23

"The Lord has done great things for us: we are glad!" (Psalm 126:3)

Psalm 126 starts with the declaration that the people of Israel were "like those who dream" with "mouth(s) filled with laughter." While this adoption process might not rise to the level of God restoring an entire nation, I can honestly say that the last months have felt a little dream-like and full of joy as God has proven once again that what he orders, He will pay for. In the last months God has brought in over $30,000 towards this adoption. Most recently I was awarded a $20,000 grant from Help Us Adopt. God's goodness is overwhelming; my heart is full of gratitude.

In the last months the paperwork (which took nearly forever) has successfully been submitted to India and the I-800A (U.S. sign off on the international adoption) has been submitted. The 1-800A has been approved. Once the Indian government grants approval, the matching process will begin. The matching process is yet another period of waiting, but concludes with the receipt of a referral -- a photo and medical documents of a child. The Indian government has a reputation for taking the matching process seriously and for carefully considering the needs of both the child and the adoptive parent in the process. After the referral is accepted, there is more waiting (!) while the US, the US embassy, and the Indian government all give final approval on the adoption. And then, finally, I will travel to India to become mom to my baby girl.

There is a bit of fundraising still to be done. The grant funds from Help Us Adopt will go directly to AWAA, the adoption agency. I will need to pay for transportation to, from, and in India, along with the associated expenses – lodging, food, and any shopping we need to do. I am working to raise about $12,000 to cover these expenses and to cover re-adoption fees once baby girl and I are settled back in the States. To all the many who have already helped in with financial and prayer support, thank you!! God is working and you are part of that work.

-------------------------

Bring Baby Girl Home!

Hi! Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your busy day to visit this gofundme page. For those I haven't met yet, my name is Sarah, I'm a fine arts teacher in lovely New England. About a year ago the Lord prompted me to look into adoption – I can't tell you exactly why. Adoption is an integral part of my life story. I have adopted siblings and extended family members. I've always marveled at missionary giants like Mary Slessor, Amy Carmichael, and Gladys Aylward, whose mission work was wrapped up in the rescue of orphans. And biblically, it's pretty clear that God has a special place in his heart for orphans.

Early in the process I had a meeting with the America Worldwide Adoption Agency (AWAA). I was struck by AWAA’s commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and communication. The staff is warm and professional. I am thrilled to be working with them to complete this adoption. Specifically, I am working with their India adoption program to adopt a little girl from India. She will be between two and four years old. She will have some special needs. She will be perfect, and I can't wait to meet her.

I am no Mary Slessor, Amy Carmichael, or Gladys Aylward! But I am trying to faithfully follow God's call to adopt. God has been faithful to provide the necessary funds to complete the home study and begin the adoption process, but the process is long and the costs are high. Here is an overview of some of the known upcoming expenses.

1-800a Filing - $920

CARINGs Registration-$3200

Agency Fee - $3200

International Adoption Program Fees - $10000

Dossier Fees - $4000

Pre-Placement/Post Adoption Fees - $4350

Travel In Country with AWAA Guide - $2500

Travel To/From Country - $6000

One of the many lessons this journey has impressed upon me already is how little I am able to control. I can't control the timeline of this process; I can't control the outcome of this process; I can't control the funding for this process. I cannot control these things, but God can control them all and I am trusting Him to provide!

Finally, why rocking chairs? The red rocking chair was the first piece of furniture I purchased for baby girl's bedroom. Shortly after, along came the little rocking chair. They looked happy together. Someday, I hope that my daughter and I will rock side by side reading great books and sipping hot beverages. Thank you for your part in bringing baby girl home!