Micah Six Eight: Kori's Story

Micah Six Eight: Kori's Story: Sometimes adoption breaks a Mama's heart so badly that the words cannot come for a very long time.  Sometimes what is seen and experience...

Home study visit

I had my 3rd and hopefully (God willing!) last home study visit yesterday. The social worker was here for 3 hours. I think it went well. I really like the social worker. She worked in child protective services before and has adopted two children internationally as well, though not special needs. She has done many home studies. She is very laid back, easy to talk to, and does point out things to think about. I forgot about having to pay mileage but luckily she forgot her form so she's gonna have to bill me. Hopefully that will give me some more time before I have to pay her :) Neither of my checks have cleared yet, so I'm still not officially committed yet, though we are still on MFFM on Reece's Rainbow. I still consider her mine, but I don't want to post her name or picture until its official. I sent the supervision fee ($150) to AAC to supervise my home study. I have to take some educational classes, one of which I pay for ($50) after my home study is completed. I wish I could start taking the classes though. The next monetary needs have to do with sending the dossier to her country. I have to have $1500 (rest of the case management fee) and $2000 program fee/attorney fee (I think) to send with the dossier. In addition, I know there are a couple of more forms I need that will be about $50, everything has to be notarized, and the apostilled. I know it will work out but what I don't know is how long it will take. However, once her country gets the dossier, translates everything, and (God willing) approves it...I'll get my first travel date! Then I'll be able to see my girl. I've sent a letter to the Ministry at Vic's suggestion asking for any updated info or pics of her. Maybe we'll get something back. Her file only shows medical from 2005. Obviously she was seen somewhere else along the way b/c she ended up with hearing aids, which wasn't noted as a problem in 2005.

Speaking of money....Don't forget about the Nook giveaway. Tomorrow is the end of the giveaway! Please share with others!

My Family Found Me!

Last night my little girl was placed on the "My Family Found Me" page of Reece's Rainbow. I have checked RR at least twice daily for months now, so scared someone else would get my girl before I can. But no more!! She is mine (sort of). I wanted to post then but it didn't feel official until I got everything signed and mailed off. Today I read and signed the service agreement to About A Child and also sent the application, fee, and donation to Reece's Rainbow. It still doesn't feel official until both AAC and RR have her matched with me and I see the family name on the New Committments. But, I'm still so very excited. I'm not sure yet if I can share her nickname or not. I cannot share her real name or the country she is from. But I had thought mailing off so much money at one time and signing those documents would feel scary. But there was nothing but happiness and elation! She is so beautiful and so deserving. Right now I'm eager to get going with everything so I can hurry up and meet her. But I know from reading other people's blogs and their experiences that this is a hurry up and wait process with lots of financial unknowns. I have no idea where the money will come from. Half of the initial $3000 has been paid. The other half is due with another $2000 when my dossier is sent to her country. However, there will be fees for documents, notaries, and having everything apostilled (I'm sure I didn't spell that right) before I can even send the dossier. I'm not really sure what else is due from there.

Summer and I went to social services and had a meeting about the plan. She will not go to the parents but there are relatives that have to be assessed but will likely be able to have Summer. We got to visit with the relatives and Summer's mom. Summer is lucky to have family options that will allow her to have contact with her mom and sibling. Her mom loves her but cannot parent. I hate that I will have to say good bye to my little Summer but I'm glad for this family to be kept together. It was a very good visit.

Gratitude

I am trying to get everything in check to do the start up and committment for my little girl, hopefully this week! I'm so excited and eager to move forward. The agency is processing my application now. Please send your prayers that they move forward swiftly. I will have my next and hopefully last home study visit this weekend. I'm just trying to make sure I have everything that I was supposed to get together for that. We have a meeting scheduled for Thursday to talk about Summer's permanent plan. There are at least two relatives that want her. I have prayed about her future and even asked God to let her stay with me but that he would prepare my heart for whatever needs to happen. He has. I know it is in her best interest to be with her family. Now I pray it will come soon, for Summer's benefit. The transition will be easier but also the family is missing out on so many beautiful moments. Summer is so blessed to have family willing and able to give her a home. I will no doubt miss her (and cry) but I will be okay because God has done as I have asked. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to parent a newborn, watch her grow, and help nurture her. But I feel she is not mine to keep. I feel this as strongly as I know God has told me this little one in Eastern Europe is meant to be my daughter. So, I will continue to love Summer and enjoy all the blessings of her while she's here. Then I will lovingly send her to the home God has designated for her. I have been so blessed. This is the life of a foster parent. Thankfully God has prepared me for this all my life. I have always wanted to foster and adopt, as well as work in this field. I remember going to the library at school, searching for child welfare and learning what I could about it. I was drawn to TV shows, movies, books, etc about child abuse and child welfare. I always knew this is where I needed to be. He gave me parents that also tried to help others, especially my mom. If it wasn't for her staying to help with Summer a couple times a week, I don't know what condition I would be in now. I also know working in child protective services, being a clinical social worker, fostering, and the trainings involved with being a foster parent has prepared me to parent this little girl from EE and help her grow and develop into the person God would like her to be. Every day I am filled with so much gratitude for the things in my life. I would not be who I am without the opportunities, family, friends, coworkers, etc I have had throughout my life (yes, even the hard times). And I know God has been the orchestrator of all these things and for that I am most grateful. The more I place Him in the center of my life, the more I see and understand these blessings.

Great News!

I received information from the adoption agency today letting me know that to sign up with the agency, I only need $1500, not the entire $3000 upfront. She said the remainder $1500 is needed with the program fee/attorney retainer (which is $2000) when I send my dossier to her country. The person with the adoption agency said she was going to review my application today and once approved, I can fill out the service agreement, send my $1500, and I think it means I am committed to my little girl at that point!! So...I will likely be committing to her by her birthday!!

Just poppin' in!

Just wanted to pop in to let everyone know I haven't gone anywhere and am still working on things. I started a one-time assessment job yesterday and am very excited about the potential of future opportunities like this as well as the opportunity to raise extra money. My job doesn't have extra shifts or hours. If we work late, its just comp time. So, I'm glad to have this chance. I had considered a second job to help with the adoption. But then I got the newborn foster placement, which put a halt to that. I had a sandbucket of pennies donated and have been counting them out. So far its at $27 and there's probably another $10 or less in there. I'm out of coin rollers now. I'm looking into Avon fundraiser and trying to do some car washes. Anyone know how to organize those? I keep trying to stop worrying about the money and trust that God will help work these things out (such as with this new job opportunity). But its hard when it seems like $3000 is hard enough and I still have so much more to go. If I can get past this committment stage though, there are other fundraising opportunities, loans, grants, etc that I can look into. And some things are paid in smaller increments along the way.

On the newborn front, Summer is still getting up throughout the night to eat 3 times and then about once where she just isn't sleepy. But its getting better. She will be 3 weeks old tomorrow! It feels like she has been with me longer than that. Of course, I am already attached to her and would love to have her stay forever. But that is not for me to decide. She has family that I'm sure also would love her. I'm just praying that God will ensure the best happens for her, me, and my future daughter. He knows what is best for all of us. I am just thankful to have had this opportunity to parent a newborn and watch her grow. She is such a sweet baby.

Don't forget about the Nook giveaway! It ends on January 31st! Thanks to all that are able and willing to help out. Continue to pray that God will keep this little girl strong, keep me strong, and continue to remove the obstacles that may try to separate us!

PRAYING MY LITTLE GIRL'S PICTURE WILL BE INCLUDED NEXT YEAR!

196 CHILDREN ARE HOME NOW THANKS TO GOD, FAMILIES, REECE'S RAINBOW, AND SUPPORTERS! WHAT AN AMAZING MINISTRY!

My Private Insurance

I had my 2nd Home Study Visit last night!! Yay!! One more thing down. This feels like such a slow process but at the same time, until the funds are available, I guess there is no reason to be in a hurry. I was talking with the Social Worker about my frustrations with the financial piece. If I had been thinking about international adoption (or any other adoption besides fostering to adopt) I would have started preparing before. Well, I guess I was preparing but didn't know it. God always knows when the time is right. See, my house was built in 1971 and was still on oil heat, had the original windows, the insulation was virtually non-existent, as well as many minor issues, etc. I've been living there since 2006. Don't get me wrong, its a great house. But the heating costs were milking me dry every winter. The system would shut off in the middle of the night for no reason. So I would wake up at 2-3am, freezing and have to go outside in the carport closet (which has camel crickets and spiders!) to stretch my short legs/arms to hit the reset button. The oil was so expensive that I would get $400 worth and in less than 2 weeks it would be gone. For the first 3 years, there were several times I went days and even weeks without heat b/c of not having the money. Boy were those miserable times. I sure am glad I had my mom to cry to when I felt so cold and miserable. So anyway, I have been doing so many renovations on my house ever since I moved in. But especially over the last year and half: new heating system, water heater, windows, patio door, insulation, roofing issues, deck. That was my nest egg. I was not looking to adopt. Not like this. Its been a blessing b/c now I have more money throughout the year since I'm not just letting it fly out the window with the heat/air. I'm trying to not let the money worry me, since I know God has directed me in this and I need to just trust Him. But its really hard when you look at how much it will cost and that its due before I can bring my baby home. And its a bit difficult asking people to part with the money that they and their families need to help me and this little girl. I appreciate every cent that has come our way and know these donors did not have to do this. They chose to help and that means so much to me. My social worker pointed out that birth families do not have to pay $24,000 for their child upfront and often have insurance that helps pay for their child. She said instead of feeling like its my responsiblility, I should look at any assistance I get like that. So, I'm looking at my donors as my own private insurance that is helping with the "birth" of my child. Thank you all so very much for any help you are able to give. And I know people out there are praying like crazy because I feel it. I feel so blessed and thank God for placing this in my heart and life. I have met so many wonderful people and seen God's glory in the lives of the families that have gone ahead of me in this journey. To all the mommies of our "Little Miss," I am especially grateful to all of you! Can't wait for ya'll to visit us!

Saving One Child At A Time: Saving her-GIVEAWAY!!!

Saving One Child At A Time: Saving her-GIVEAWAY!!!
http://loveforallchildren.blogspot.com

This is a giveaway for a Nook! $10 for 1 entry, $15 for 2 entries, and $30 for 5 entries. If you share the link, you get one extra entry! This giveaway is only until January 31st @ 6pm. So hurry!!!

You enter by making the donation for your entry to my ChipIn and then emailing the receipt to christinascott23@aol.com or on her facebook.

A Birthday Wish

Between a newborn foster child at home and work during the day, I did not have an opportunity to explain the ChipIn to friends, families, visitors, etc. I have begun the home study process and am ready to start the rest of the adoption process. Part of that process is the committment/trust fees for this particular child. Once I have done that, I can share her beautiful picture and the name which she is listed. This will also help secure her from someone else committing to her. Of course, the primary point is for her to get a family. However, I REALLY want to be that family. The committment also will open up the opportunity for other fundraisers, grants, and loans. See how important this step is?

I've added the ChipIn so donations can be made directly to me. It can be done securely through Paypal and goes directly into my Paypal account for this adoption. Any amount helps. For instance, if 150 people could simply give $20, this first goal would be met. I realize some people may be able to give more and may feel led to give more. But some people may not be able to give that much. Anything helps. If you do not have a paypal account but would like to send a donation, message me and I will give you my mailing address. I am so grateful for anything. Even just a special note that you are praying for us and for God to move the obstacles that are holding us back from being a family.

As I mentioned earlier, my little girl is nearly 7 years old. My goal is to be able to commit to her by her birthday. Please help me give her what is most likely the first birthday present she has ever had. A family.

If you have any questions, about the ChipIn, how I found this child, the plight of children with special needs in Eastern Europe, the adoption process...whatever...please feel free to contact me. I ask that you please keep us in your prayers. There can never be enough prayers. Share my blog and adoption journey with others so we can spread the word, increase the support and prayers, and educate as many people as possible about special needs, adoption, and these countries and orphans. If you have experience with children with special needs, especially Down syndrome, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks.

Ransom

Today someone suggested I foster a child (which I do) so that I could still be a mother but have the resources to care for the child. This person has no ill intentions and I did not receive this as being such. I was not offended but wanted to clarify that the funds needed for this adoption are not to provide for my child. I can do that. I could also save my money and eventually be able to adopt this child by myself. Eventually. But while I save, she waits. Longer and longer. More and more malnourished. More and more lost. More and more defeated and hopeless.

The funds needed are to save this child's life. And please, if you are the one that made this comment, please know that it was not received as an insult. I'm sure others wonder the same thing. Why should someone else pay for my child? This statement helped me really think about what this money is for, the value of these funds, the cost of adoption.

Which brings me to today's blog title: Ransom.

In international adoptions, you will run across the word "ransom" from time to time. Sometimes I agree with this statement and sometimes I do not. If these countries do not value these children and do not want them, why do we have to pay so much to give them a home? Why can't they just give the children to us? What do they do with all this money? Why do we have to buy our children?

But...There are social workers that complete the home study and write the report. Adoption agency staff work to review paperwork, complete paperwork, help with dossier preparation, get packets of information mailed, etc. Documents have to be translated. Court documents filed. There are court clerks and judges that work to process the paperwork and have hearings. Attorney fees. Agencies both domestic and abroad that process paperwork. Drivers, translators, and facilitators in country that help us out. I'm sure there are many other workers and aspects of the international adoption process that I am not yet aware (but will be soon!!) Should these people be working for free? It would be nice of them, but nice doesn't pay the bills, put food on the table, and cloth their own families.

Let's look at what ransom really means and how it is defined: 

noun

1. the redemption of a prisoner, slave, or kidnapped person, of captured goods, etc., for a price.

2. the sum or price paid or demanded.

3. a means of deliverance or rescue from punishment for sin, especially the payment of a redemptive fine.

verb (used with object)

4. to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price.

5. to release or restore on receipt of a ransom.

6. to deliver or redeem from punishment for sin.

I never realized how closely related Ransom and Redeemed were. Interesting... So, ransom, in effect, is exactly what these adoption funds/costs are. I (and those helping and advocating for this child/adoption) am trying to save her, rescue her, redeem her from her perceived "sin" of being born with a special need. I hope and pray that upon receipt of this ransom, she will not only be released but also restored! She is a prisoner of a society, culture, economy, and stigma. This is the cost for her life. Do we not pay this much and more for a car? Is the life of a child not worth more than a vehicle?

Were we not redeemed and delivered from sin by Jesus Christ?

John 9

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

 ¹ As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

   ³ “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him."

Ransom = Redemption

Beginnings

This is my first time blogging and I'm not really sure how to begin other than to just jump right in. This blog was created for several reasons:

1. To raise awareness of the plight of children born with Down syndrome and other special needs in Eastern European countries
2. To share my hopes, dreams, and journey to bring one such child home through international adoption
3. To ask for any support, donations, financial help, and prayers to help me make the dream of this adoption come true
4. To advocate for other orphans and families going through the same (or similar) journey
5. To praise and glorify God in the process

I cannot currently share the specific information or picture about the child I'm hoping to adopt until I am able to formally commit to her adoption. I am working very hard to make this happen and have begun the home study process and adoption application process. God has called me to adopt a precious little girl. She has been in an institution since she was 4yo and she is now nearly 7yo. She has been blessed with the extra chromosome (Down syndrome) and is hearing impaired. She is affectionate and delightful. She is malnourished and in need desperate need of a home, fast!

That brings me to item #3. Adoption is not cheap. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Doesn't this child deserve her chance at life? Doesn't she deserve a warm bed? Ample food? Education? Love? Medical care? Hearing aids that work?

I only discovered this child in September. This was not a journey I had really explored. I am a foster parent and therefore was open to a child with special needs. But I had not really explored international adoption and was not fully aware of the situation in Eastern Europe. But now that I know I must go forward. I must bring this child home as soon as possible. But I cannot do this alone. God has led me this far and I trust He will provide the funds needed for this adoption through people all over that can see how big this issue is and find it in their heart to help a little girl get a chance at life. We cannot save the world, but together we can change the world for this one child!

"Once our eyes are opened,

we can't pretend we don't know what to do.

God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls,

knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."
Proverbs 24:12