Adoption Time Line
I’ve tried to keep an accurate record of most of the cost for the adoption process for those who may be interested in International Adoption. I'm sure I've left off some costs, but the majority of expenses are listed here on my time line. When I was beginning my research, I found it really helpful to know beforehand what all the costs associated with adoption would be.
I was blessed many times over in my journey through receiving a grant to help with travel costs, receiving "unexpected" money...especially at the end when things were really expensive, and having a money basket at my shower where I collected about $1,200 to help with travel. Many people said that this would happen and I doubted the reality that God would give so specifically in many cases, but as usual HE never fails and HE did provide even to the last cent.
I was blessed many times over in my journey through receiving a grant to help with travel costs, receiving "unexpected" money...especially at the end when things were really expensive, and having a money basket at my shower where I collected about $1,200 to help with travel. Many people said that this would happen and I doubted the reality that God would give so specifically in many cases, but as usual HE never fails and HE did provide even to the last cent.
2003 Single friend adopted a daughter from Russia , started looking into international adoption
2004 Started getting Finances in order, through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University
Fall 2005 I felt definite “tug” into motherhood, ready to have a family, realized I could be a single mom if that is what God had planned for my life.
Ordered 3 Long Form birth certificates from www.vitalchek.com ($30)
10/4/06 Email from Rachel…let’s get started!
Mailed in I600A ($685)
Express Mail Fee ($14.40)
Made the following payments:
Mid Payment ($2,000)
Translation Fee ($695.00)
Post Placement Deposit ($1,000)
Courier Fee ($150.00)
US State Dept. Fee ($91.00)
Chinese Embassy Fee ($260)
1/3/08 Re-fingerprinted at the Office of Homeland Security (expires 4/2009)
2/14/08 Received updated 171H (fingerprints)
4/13/08 Ordered updated background checks for mom and I ($58)
7/15/08 Homestudy Addendum ($179.38)
7/20/08 Updated Homestudy ($625)
7/30/08 Received updated I 171-h (to expire 01/2010)
7/2009 Bought our first house!
7/2009 Bought our first house!
10/22/09 Homestudy Re-evaluation ($461.25)
10/23/09 TBI Background Check ($29)
11/06/09 Special Needs Application Approved
12/21/09 Mailed I600a renewal ($8.55)
12/21/09 I600a renewal and fingerprint fee ($750)
2/5/10 EA…Electronic Acceptance of Cao Xiao Tong!!!!!
2/5/10 Translation Fee ($400)
2/25/10 Pre-Approval
3/8/10 LOA/RA recieved (Letter of Acceptance or Referral Acceptance)
2/25/10 Pre-Approval
3/8/10 LOA/RA recieved (Letter of Acceptance or Referral Acceptance)
3/10/10 FED EX signed LOA to AWAA ($26.66)
3/10/10 Care Package sent to Molly ($46)
3/10/10 Final Program fee to AWAA ($2,000)
3/10/10 Post Placement Fee to AWAA ($385)
3/16/10 Fax Visa Application to AWAA for review ($17.24)
3/22/10 Vanderbilt International Adoption Clinic pre-visit ($475)
3/22/10 Fed Ex VISA applications to AWAA ($38.81)
4/19/10 Delta airline tickets for Molly and me ($2,030.50)
4/28/10 China Hotels, in country flights, and group meals ($1,833.00)* This would have been more, however I had received a $3,000 grant that went towards this cost.
4/28/10 Money (cash) for China...this includes the orphanage donation, Molly's Visa, Medical Exam, Notary fees, Passport, misc. paperwork, personal spending money, etc. ($8,000)
4/28/10 Leave for China
5/3/10 Molly Day!!
5/13/10 Return HOME!!!!!!!!!
As I look back on my journey I give all thanks and praise to Jesus who laid it on my heart to pursue adoption and has provided and guided me throughout the entire time!
4/19/10 Delta airline tickets for Molly and me ($2,030.50)
4/28/10 China Hotels, in country flights, and group meals ($1,833.00)* This would have been more, however I had received a $3,000 grant that went towards this cost.
4/28/10 Money (cash) for China...this includes the orphanage donation, Molly's Visa, Medical Exam, Notary fees, Passport, misc. paperwork, personal spending money, etc. ($8,000)
4/28/10 Leave for China
5/3/10 Molly Day!!
5/13/10 Return HOME!!!!!!!!!
As I look back on my journey I give all thanks and praise to Jesus who laid it on my heart to pursue adoption and has provided and guided me throughout the entire time!
"I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me"
--His eye is on the Sparrow