The Cost of Adopting Internationally

In last month’s newsletter, I addressed some concerns that journalists have asked of the Christian adoption movement. This month, let’s look at some more practical daily issues, such as money and time. If you are considering adoption, you’ll want to hear our fundraising opportunity for you.  If you have a friend who is adopting, you’ll want to hear our suggestions of how you can support them in this very costly life transition. How costly? Well….

“The average cost of an international adoption is $25,000.” (Christian Alliance for Orphans)

Whoa….that is a big number.  And, it doesn’t account for the extra costs once a child is brought home. Nor, does it take into consideration all of the TIME that is spent preparing for the adoption, the time in-country finalizing the adoption or the new post-adoption schedule.

Adoption is a BIG commitment…and it should be. As I addressed last month, adoption is not appropriate for every orphan. Some children have developed a real family unit at their orphanage, or have relatives in-country that they see frequently, and taking them out of that environment does more harm than good. However, in a number of circumstances, adoption is a grace filled and loving option that blesses not just the child but the adopting family as well. Anyone who has felt called to do this and has committed to it, should have our respect and as much as possible our support. So, how can you best support a friend or family member who is adopting?

1. Give them safe space to vent in the process. It doesn’t mean the adoption isn’t a good idea or that they want you to solve their issues.Just listen. The adoption process can be difficult to manage and filled with good and bad days. This is normal.

2. If you have organizational skills, read Lifesong’s adoption grant process and then offer to help your friend/family member in securing funding. We highly recommend reading through all the articles and watching the videos that Lifesong has produced.

3. You might want to check out our YouTube video “Getting Real About Adopting an Orphan.”  It tells the story of the Johnson family and their process of adopting.

4. Offer to pray for them weekly and then do it.

5. Realize that this will be a long process….both the adoption and the years it will take the family to find a new normal.  Your friendship with them may never quite be the same and the more you canembrace that truth the easier it will be for them.

Finally, we at Orphans Treasure Box want to announce a new fundraising tool for adopting families.  Once a month we are willing to turn our outlet into a fundraising platform for those couples who are adopting an older or special needs orphan. How does it work? For three days, Thursday-Saturday, our outlet will give 100% of our outlet profits to your adoption. We promote it, you share it with your friends, folks can get great books AND help bring a child home. Interested? Contact us for more information.